The CSB in Neponset was the location of a bungled ATM heist Sunday night. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

Bureau County authorities are investigating the attempted theft of an automated teller machine from outside the Community State Bank branch in Neponset Sunday night.

A would-be thief or thieves removed the machine from the front of the bank building on Commercial Street and moved it about a block away, although details about how the removal was accomplished aren’t known at this time.

They apparently tried unsuccessfully to get into the machine, and eventually abandoned the effort and left the area.

Wires protrude from the Community State Bank in Neponset where the ATM was located before would-be thieves attempted to steal the entire machine. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

No money was removed from the machine, but it was damaged beyond repair and will have to be replaced.

The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. Repeated calls to the sheriff’s office Monday from The Kewanee Voice were not returned.

Community State Bank CEO Luke Hawkins commented, “Obviously it’s frustrating and disappointing when criminals damage property and it’s unsettling for local residents.  We’re hopeful that our local law enforcement are able to bring resolution to the matter for all who were impacted.”