But as it turned out, all those tools and vehicles couldn't help the would-be robbers with their haul — an entire ATM machine.
As they pulled the ATM away from the wall of Clackamas Community Federal Credit Union in Milwaukie, Ore., on July 4, police say, the burglary went awry. The straps securing the ATM to the front loader snapped. (VIDEO)
And it just got worse from there.
"They tried to use the bucket of the front loader to scoop up the ATM," said Milwaukie police spokesman Officer Kevin Krebs.
"They ended up pushing the ATM into the bank lobby, where they couldn't get to it."
The disgruntled thieves finally gave up, torched the front loader, abandoned the trailer, and fled. They also left behind the dump truck bumper and its license plates.
The stolen red dump truck, intended to cart the ATM, was later found in northeast Portland. It had been set on fire and had a soda vending machine in the back.
According to police, the suspects used the dump truck, with the attached trailer, to transport the front loader to the credit union. The front loader had been reported stolen from a construction company on June 28. It was recovered on June 29, but stolen again on June 30.
"They went through a lot of trouble to get this stuff," said Krebs. "But I don't think they thought it through."
Though it might seem unusual to see large construction vehicles cruising down Main Street, Officer Krebs said a massive construction project is located a block away from the credit union.
"Nobody is going to think much if they see a front loader in the area," said Krebs. "It isn't going to make anyone think, 'This is strange.'"
Two suspects were seen fleeing the scene on foot, but authorities suspect more were involved. Anyone with information about the robbery attempt can contact the Milwaukie Police Department at (503) 786-7500.
CourtTVnews.com is a part of the Turner Entertainment New Media Network.
Terms & Privacy guidelines