A break-in at a bank on Thursday could have been the plot of a Hollywood movie or a scheme hatched up on a hit television show, but instead it happened up close and personal in Turlock.
The Umpqua Bank, located at 400 E. Olive Ave., was broken into Thursday, possibly during the early morning hours under the cover of darkness.
While the Turlock Police Department did not release details about the method of the break-in, Detective Steve Hammell said it was a planned out operation.
“It took some thought and ingenuity,” Hammell said.
The break-in was discovered by an employee arriving to work, Hammell said.
The unknown suspects ransacked the business and stole various items of currency.
Hammell said it was unusual to see a break-in at a bank during non operational hours. Most bank robberies occur while the bank is open for business.
“I have only seen one other break-in like this at a bank in my 20 years,” Hammell said.
The same bank was robbed Jan. 19 by a white male who entered the bank around 3 p.m. and demanded money from a teller.
The Turlock Police Department is asking anyone who may have seen a suspicious person or vehicle in the area of the bank during non-business hours to contact Hammell at 664-7328 or 668-5550 ext. 6628.  
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.  
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.