ATM Thefts

The Calgary Police Service is currently investigating an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) theft from a local casino.

This is one of 13 ATM-related smash-and-grab thefts since August 2014, where offenders use a vehicle or weapon to smash through the doors or windows of a business, dislodge a machine and then steal it.

The most recent incident occurred this morning around 6 a.m., at Calgary Casino, 1420 Meridian Road N.E. It’s believed two offenders smashed the front glass of the casino with a crowbar and entered the premises, heading straight for the ATM. They loaded the machine onto a dolly and made their way outside and to a waiting vehicle – a silver-coloured 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 several employees inside the casino at the time of the theft, however, none were injured.

In each of the 13 cases, the 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.

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.

The Service has arrested three people in connection two of the 13 incidents, however, it’s believed copycat offenders have orchestrated the most recent offence.

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.

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

The CPS urges businesses with ATMs to target-harden themselves against smash-and-grab thefts by moving the machines away from windows or doors. Ensure the machines are in view of CCTV and that they are affixed by a chain or bolted to the floor. Always ensure the machines are 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.

Anyone with information about this incident or any other is encouraged to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637