Thieves Steal $80K in 'Jackpotting' Attacks on Mitchell Banks

Police investigating overnight break-ins at two bank ATMs

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Nearly $80,000 was stolen from Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) at two banks in Mitchell, South Dakota during overnight break-ins between February 13th and 14th. Police say the front of the ATMs were broken into in a type of crime known as 'jackpotting,' where criminals gain access to the internal computers and withdraw cash without providing any bank account information.

Why it matters

Jackpotting attacks on ATMs are a growing concern for banks, as they allow thieves to quickly steal large sums of cash without leaving a traditional financial trail. These incidents highlight the need for enhanced security measures to protect ATMs and prevent such crimes from occurring.

The details

According to police, the thieves were able to break into the front panels of the ITMs at the two unidentified Mitchell banks and access the internal computer systems. This allowed them to withdraw approximately $80,000 in cash without needing to provide any account information or credentials. Jackpotting attacks have become more common in recent years as criminals find ways to exploit vulnerabilities in ATM software and hardware.

  • The burglaries happened overnight between February 13th and 14th, 2026.

The players

Mitchell Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the 'jackpotting' incidents at the two Mitchell banks.

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What’s next

The Mitchell Police Department is continuing its investigation into the 'jackpotting' attacks in an effort to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds.

The takeaway

These 'jackpotting' incidents underscore the need for banks to prioritize ATM security and stay vigilant against evolving criminal tactics that target their cash machines.