Burglar hits ATM inside The Cabaret

FORT MADISON - A burglar has struck again in Fort Madison, this time at The Cabaret where police are reporting an ATM inside the facility was broken into early Monday morning.
According to a statement this afternoon from Fort Madison Police Chief Mark Rohloff, shortly before 6 a.m., a burglary reportedly occurred at Horan’s Cabaret, at 1337 Avenue G.
The owner stated that after she unlocked the establishment that morning, a male subject wearing a ski mask was encountered inside. He immediately fled, leaving with a substantial amount of cash taken from an ATM. Investigation revealed that entry was made through a secluded back door, and that the perpetrator was apparently inside a significant amount of time, evidenced by the effort taken to cut open the ATM with an angle grinder. The victim could only provide a preliminary clothing description, which included a puffy black ski jacket, silky looking black ski pants, and a black ski mask.
Officers attempted to locate the subject and canvassed the area for witnesses and surveillance video. A detective was called in to process the scene.
Rohloff said a substantial amount of cash was stolen from the ATM inside The Cabaret.
It was noted that the circumstances bore similarities to the November 7th burglary at the Cottage Café, 5833 Avenue O, also involving the theft of cash from an ATM. The investigation continues to pursue various leads.
The burglary is the second in the past 30 days and police are currently investigating the link of that burglary at Hardee's with a burglary in September at the Dollar General on the east side of the city.
Again, assistance from the public is sought regarding information that may lead to the apprehension of the person responsible for this crime. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Lee County Crime Stoppers by calling: 319-376-1090, their website at: www.leecountytips.com or via the P3 Mobile App, and may be eligible for a cash reward. Otherwise, information can be submitted directly to the Fort Madison Police Department via LeeComm (319)372-1310.