Backhoe Used in Failed Texas ATM Theft

LONGVIEW, Texas – A heavy-duty attempt to break into a cash machine in Longview failed when the backhoe instead just damaged the ATM.

So far no arrests in the pre-dawn crime.

Longview police responded to a criminal mischief call outside Citizen's National Bank.

Authorities believe someone managed to start a backhoe at a nearby construction area, drove it to the bank and used the heavy equipment to try to bust open an exterior ATM.

It didn't work.

But police say the robbery attempt caused about $150,000 damage to the cash machine and its enclosure, plus to a light pole.