Security footage from a theft attempt at Turtle Bay Pub.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/CRIME STOPPERS
November 21, 2019 - 1:01 PM
It’s not as easy as a criminally-motivated-person might think it is to steal an ATM.
There have been at least three attempts to remove ATMs from the businesses that house them in the last month, and none have worked.
The most recent case was 6:55 a.m. on Nov. 21 at the Rutland Centennial Hall located on Shepherd Road in Kelowna.
“Two suspects were seen entering a white Jeep and leaving the property, travelling south on Rutland Road North,” reads a Crime Stoppers release.
“The suspects had gained entry to the hall and attempted to steal the ATM situated in the vestibule. When they were unsuccessful because the ATM is bolted to the floor, they attempted to use a power cutter to slice open the machine.”
Using the power cutter proved to be the problem because it created sparks and heat that caused the fire alarm to activate. When that happened, the suspects ran off.
The other two attempts were in Lake Country.
Police became aware of the first attempt around 5 a.m. Nov. 8 when security personnel called them from Turtle Bay Pub located on Woodsdale Road because an alarm was activated at the premises.
“Upon arrival, the front door was found damaged and insecure, however, nothing else was damaged or missing,” according to a Crime Stoppers release.
“Surveillance video shows two suspects entering the premises and attempting to move the ATM before being spooked by the alarm.”
Then, on Nov. 17, another break-in was reported.
The suspects were a bit more industrious this time around, managing to hook up a chain and cable to the ATM.
“Luckily they didn’t bring enough chain so had to leave empty-handed when the alarms sounded,” a Crimestoppers release indicated.
“A witness watched the two suspects run to an older model dark truck, possibly a Ford, and drive northbound toward Vernon.”
If you know anything about these crimes or any other crime, call the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tips line at 1-800-222-TIPS or visit their website at www.crimestoppers.net. Your information will be kept confidential and could lead to a reward of up to $2,000.
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