Missouri Man Torches ATM in Fiery Theft Attempt

It seemed like a good plan for quick cash: Use a cutting torch to open an ATM.

But that was before the machine erupted in a ball of fire.

About 4:40 a.m. Wednesday, a man tried to burn open an automated teller machine at the Central Bank of Kansas City, 2301 Independence Ave. He burned off some hinges and was peeling back metal when the register paper inside the machine ignited. The incident, recorded on a surveillance tape, looked like an explosion, police said.

The theft attempt triggered an alarm. The would-be thief fled with no money. Arriving officers found smoke coming out of the ATM.

Police think the same man used a crowbar Jan. 20 in an attempt to open the same ATM. That caused minor damage to the machine.