3rd ATM Heist This Week In Dallas

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Police in Dallas are on a manhunt after yet another ATM was stolen early Friday from a convenience store. This is the third such smash-and-grab robbery case this week. It took place at about 1:00 a.m. in the 300 block of South St. Augustine Drive.

The suspects used an SUV and reversed right into the convenience store, quickly taking the location's ATM and driving off. According to investigators, at least three people were inside of the Ford Expedition at the time of the robbery. But it did not end there.

Residents living in a nearby apartment complex heard the commotion and called 911. Police officers were already in the area and soon spotted the suspected SUV. There was a short chase, investigators said, as the suspects drove for about a mile before jumping out of the vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Authorities searched the entire area for nearly two hours with both canine units and a helicopter, but the suspects have still not been found.

"I don't think the ATM had that much money," stated store owner Samir Patel. He is also not sure if his store's security cameras were working.

There has been a string of similar smash-and-grab ATM thefts throughout Dallas. The most recent crimes took place on Wednesday -- one at a gas station and another at a nail salon -- and are believed to be related to each other. However, it is not known if all of these incidents are related.

Patel is frustrated by the string of Dallas robberies. "It is scary for the people in the neighborhood," said Patel, who has lived in the area for just about seven months. "I'm not going to stay in my apartment. I'm going to stay inside my store, because I have to protect my store. I have to protect my money."