GPS Tracking Device Leads to ATM Cash Thieves

1 Nov 2016

Orange County Police Department were able to get custody of four men after they were caught robbing an ATM at a Rite-Aid. The authorities are further investigating the crime and are trying to determine if it is connected to a series of recent robberies in the area.

The burglary took place in the middle of the night at a Rite Aid store in Irvine, CA. Nothing was stolen from the store, but there was not an ATM, which authorities noted has been the main target in a string of similar robberies in the area.

No more than half an hour later, it is believed that the same suspects broke into another Rite Aid store in the 13000 block of Jamboree Road using a crowbar. When they broke into the store, a burglar alarm was tripped.

The authorities stated that the suspects worked fast and they were able to tear apart an ATM. Though they did not take the machine, they did successfully take an undisclosed amount of money. Along with the cash, the thieves unintentionally took a GPS tracking device that the ATM was outfitted with.

According to Sgt Andy Birozy of the Tustin Police Department, the front door of the Rite-Aid had been pried open with a crowbar. Just as they arrived at the scene, the police received a phone call from the people who owned the GPS tracking device, who told them that the GPS tracking unit was active and inside the store, and that it was mobile.

Thanks to the GPS tracking device, the authorities were able to locate the thieves, who were found in a Cadillac at a gas station in Lake Forest. Additional suspects in the crime were found in a rented Dodge Challenger. They led the police on a short pursuit before they stopped on 5 Freeway. A large, yet undisclosed amount of cash was found inside the Cadillac sports sedan and the Challenger. A crowbar was also found inside the Challenger.

Other thefts at Rite-Aid stores in Fountain Valley, Westminster and Dana Point were all reported earlier in the month. The Tustin police noted that they are working with other law enforcement agencies in the area since there have been at least 12 similar burglaries in the past.

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George Karonis

About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.

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