$300,000 ATM stolen

Using a blow torch masked gunmen burnt out the inner part of a Scotiabank Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), escaping with more than $300,000 in cash, yesterday morning. The robbery was executed shortly after 2 am, in front of the MS Food City Supermarket along the SS Erin Road in Debe.

Police said security guard, Talip Hosein, 45, was ambushed by three masked men armed with guns. He was tied up, beaten and forced into a car.

Police reports said Hosein was taken to Princes Town where he was dumped in a canefield. The gunmen then returned to the ATM machine where they destroyed the surveillance camera and alarm system.

The gunmen, the report stated, used the torch to burn out the section, containing the money.

They then escaped in a car.

Meanwhile, Hosein managed to untie himself and sought help by a nearby house. Hosein immediately contacted his employers who called the police.

People wanting to use the ATM yesterday were greeted with an “Out of Service” sign, posted on the door. All that remained of the ATM was a shell, police said.

Supermarket officials, who requested anonymity, expressed disappointment with the police response.

An official claimed that when she contacted Penal police, she was told that they did not have any transportation.

The official said she had to send a vehicle to pick up the officers to transport them to the crime scene. She added that the security guard was traumatised over the incident. Penal police are continuing investigations.