Would-be robbers used a Dodge pickup to ram a hole in the side of the Moneytree store in Aurora rather than using the door, but police scared them off while they were in the process of holding up the check cashing store.

Aurora Detective Robert Friel said the store at 12862 E. Mississippi Ave. closed at 11 p.m. Feb. 27 and a few minutes later, the pickup ram into the south wall, creating an opening large enough for the suspects to climb through.

Employees immediately called police and the men, one armed with a handgun, were given a "significant" amount of money before the police arrives and forced the suspects to scatter into the dark.

The bandits got away, but the truck, which was an unreported stolen vehicle, was recovered.

No description of the robbers is being released.

The Moneytree is offering a $10,000 reward and Aurora Crime Stoppers is offering and additional $2,000 for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the robbers. You may remain anonymous by calling 720-913-STOP (7867).