Thieves Steal Bitcoin ATM In Brazen Robbery

ATLANTA -- It was bound to happen. Thieves have stolen a Bitcoin ATM from a street location in Atlanta. According to local reports, a pair of hooded crooks entered the Village Smoke Shop on Juniper St., picked up the desktop unit and then fired a shot into the store's floor to intimidate customers and staff before fleeing. The robbers reportedly made their escape in a 1980s model red Chevrolet Cavalier.

Crime scene reports on how much "real money" was in the machine differ, though one employee of the store estimated the unit held between $2,000 and $3,000 in U.S. currency. The ATM itself is valued at $7,000.

Theft of the controversial crypto-currency ATM is being viewed by some as ironic. The stateless, digital currency has garnered a reputation for use in purchases of drugs and other illicit products online while some of the exchanges have been investigated for illegal shenanigans.

Anyone who has information in this case is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Bowers of the Atlanta Police Dept. at (404) 546-2469. Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-8477 for a potential reward.