Burglar uses stolen U-Haul in ATM heist at Acworth gas station, police say

The theft happened at a Texaco Food Mart on Main Street in Acworth.

The theft happened at a Texaco Food Mart on Main Street in Acworth.

Acworth police are investigating a Wednesday morning smash-and-grab at a gas station that involved a stolen U-Haul and what appeared to be a very determined thief.

Investigators said a burglar drove the stolen rental van through the front doors of a Texaco Food Mart at 4739 Main Street before dawn Wednesday when previous attempts to yank an ATM loose were unsuccessful.

According to investigators, surveillance footage at the Texaco showed someone wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and face mask force their way into the gas station around 4:30 a.m. The person tried to remove the ATM, but it was bolted to the floor, Acworth police said in a news release.

After several failed attempts, the suspect backed a white Ford Transit U-Haul van into the food mart, knocking the cash machine loose. Police said the thief finished the brazen burglary by loading the ATM into the van and peeling off.

Officers later found the van abandoned outside a store along Canton Road. They confirmed it had been reported stolen, according to the release.

Officers are working to identify and arrest a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call Acworth police at 770-974-1232.