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Philadelphia Police Searching For 2 Suspects Who Broke Into Bitcoin Machine, Stole Cash Box

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police are searching for two suspects who broke into a Bitcoin machine and took the cash box from inside. The incident happened Tuesday, shortly before 6 a.m., at a store on the 7200 block of Frankford Avenue in the Mayfair section of the city.

bitcoin theft suspect
(credit: Philadelphia Police)

The store manager says this wasn't the thieves' first rodeo, suggesting the suspects looked like they knew what they were doing. He's hoping someone at home knows who the two men are.

"It happened really fast. They came, I don't know what they call it, a machete or something, and they just popped it open," Mayfair Quick Mart Manager Hashid Alsaidi said.

Police released surveillance video they want you to see.

Two brazen robbers used crowbars to break into a bitcoin ATM early on Tuesday morning.

"They looked like they knew what they were doing. It was so fast," Alsaidi said.

Alsaidi manages the store on the 7200 block of Frankford Avenue in Mayfair.

He says it all happened in a matter of seconds.

As the store employee called 911, the robbers took off in a white car.

Theft 7250 Frankford Ave DC 20 15 006532 by PhiladelphiaPolice on YouTube

"I think people can send money overseas from this machine and they can buy Bitcoin currency," Alsaidi said.

What surprised Alsaidi is, they didn't touch the ATM that was within an arm's reach.

He says the bitcoin ATM isn't very popular and he doesn't believe the pair made away with much.

"Honestly, it wasn't doing good anyway," Alsaidi said.

The "Bitbox" may be unavailable now, but store management says it'll be operational again soon as police work to make an arrest.

If you have any information about this incident, contact police at 215-686-3153.

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