posted 04-21-2009 06:39 PM
Thank you very much for everyone’s concern.The photo in the linked article says it all -- this was a very determined group, who had specialized tools to pull off a reinforced, alarmed door, then quickly cut through a steel gate to get to the ATM, followed by specialist equipment to drag it out. They left much of their equipment behind, probably as the alarm went off immediately and police are very close by. They were no more than a few feet inside the front door at any time.
All available video surveillance footage is being studied to determine their identities.
It’s a sad day when a non-profit organization preserving world heritage items is targeted in this way. Fortunately (if that is the word), the ATM was all they got, and they did not get near, never mind touch, any aerospace artifacts. Our historic building has suffered some damage to its front.
We appreciate the offers of support, including the new memberships, that we have seen today and help us repair, reinforce and continue to protect these historic items.