Fort Saskatchewan RCMP said an investigation was underway, after officers were called to a Lamont financial institution where it’s believed a number of suspects broke in and tried to steal an ATM.
Police said on Monday at about 2:24 a.m., officers were called to a break and enter in progress at the Servus Credit Union in Lamont.
RCMP said the suspects used a tractor, stolen from a nearby business to get into the credit union, the tractor was stolen from the Lamont Farm Centre, about 100 metres away from the scene of the break-in.
“They basically made a donut, went down the alley and just drove it straight through,” Lamont Farm Centre manager Tim Nimchuk said.
It’s believed five suspects tried to use the tractor to remove the ATM from the building.
However, RCMP said they weren’t successful. The stolen tractor and ATM were both found at the scene, in addition to another truck that had been stolen from a nearby home.
“A reasonable person could believe that they would’ve had to have planned this, they would’ve known where to get the tractor from and pre-planned getting a stolen truck as well,” Cst. Sean Morris with Fort Saskatchewan RCMP said.
The ATM was recovered at the scene and seized by police, but it’s not clear if money was stolen.
Late Monday morning, RCMP said they were waiting to watch security footage as part of their investigation.
This incident is the latest in a number of reported ATM thefts and attempts in Alberta – the thefts so rampant RCMP have dedicated officers to investigate whether they’re connected. Investigators said they believe the thefts are.
“So where does it end? You lock the door, they break the window. You fence it in, they break the fence,” Nimchuk said.
Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to call Fort Saskatchewan RCMP at 780-997-7900.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
With files from Dan Grummett
