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CALGARY – Police are investigating the theft of an ATM from a casino in the city’s northeast.

Officers surrounded Casino Calgary in the 1400 block of Meridian Road N.E. around 6 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from security staff.

Authorities say it appears two or three offenders smashed through the front glass of the casino with a crowbar and made off with one of the casino’s ATMs, leaving the scene in a gold minivan.

Likely unbeknownst to the thieves, the machine was in the process of being moved to a different location in the casino and was out of order and empty at the time.

There were no patrons inside the casino at the time, but seven or eight staff members were working.

“At this point, I am very relieved to share that no staff or patrons were injured in this attempt,” said Casino Calgary General Manager, Suzanne Lalonde.

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At this point it’s unknown if any weapons were involved in the incident.

Later on, police began investigating the discovery of a gold SUV that was found abandoned nearby. However, they haven’t confirmed if it’s connected to the theft.

BELOW: Police investigate the discovery of a gold SUV found abandoned in northeast Calgary.

Police investigate the discovery of a gold SUV found abandoned in northeast Calgary on January 28th, 2015. Global News

This is one of 13 ATM-related smash-and-grab thefts since August 2014.

In each case, thieves used a vehicle or weapon to smash through the doors or windows of a business, dislodge a machine and then steal it.

The attempts have been mostly unsuccessful for the offenders.

“Offenders have stolen very little, if any, money, as the machines are often emptied several times in a 24-hour period and at the end of the business day,” Calgary Police said in a release.

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“Damage to the targeted buildings has ranged from $5,000 to $40,000, and often leaves business owners with considerable clean up and restoration costs.” Tweet This

Police have arrested three people in connection two of the 13 incidents. It’s believed copycat offenders have orchestrated the most recent attempt.

Aldrich Carnero, 28, and Richard Dimas, 27, have been arrested and are in custody for the ATM smash and grab that occurred at Cash Canada on Monday, Nov. 17, 2014.

Jesse Alan Johnson, 24, also remains in custody in relation to an ATM smash and grab that occurred at the Husky Gas on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014.

Police are urging businesses with ATMs to protect themselves by moving ATMs away from windows or doors. Machines should be in clear view of video surveillance and chained or bolted to the floor. They should be emptied several times a day.

Investigators with the Service’s Centralized General Investigations Section are working with the Business Liaison Unit in an effort to raise awareness of the incidents and help to educate business owners on protecting their assets.

WATCH: ATM falls on thief as they attempt to wheel it out of the casino.

