PORT ELIZABETH - THIEVES MAKE OFF WITH AROUND R300 000 FROM 2 CUT OPEN ATMS IN LORRAINE

TWO Standard Bank ATMs at The Gardens Shopping Centre in Circular Drive, Lorraine, were cut open and about R300 000 was stolen.

Police said the thieves managed to break into the room behind the ATM by lifting the roof tiles.

Warrant Officer Alwin Labans said yesterday the ATMs were opened from behind with an angle grinder.

“The staff who top up the ATMs arrived at the machines and found the safes at the back of the ATMs opened,” he said. “I can confirm access was gained through the roof.” Labans said the theft was believed to have occurred sometime over the weekend.

The Gardens Shopping Centre management, who would not provide their names, declined to comment on how the security guard failed to hear the angle grinder or see the suspects fleeing.

Standard Bank spokesman Ross Linstrom said the bank was co-operating with the police.

VIA - heraldonline.co.za