Police in Cold Lake are investigating, after a series of break-ins were reported, and ATMS were stolen in each case.
RCMP said since January 10, 2014, eleven different businesses in northeastern Alberta communities had been broken into – including businesses in Cold Lake, Cold Lake First Nation, Frog Lake First Nation, Lloydminster, Marwayne, Glendon, St. Paul and Lac La Biche.
Investigators said it’s believed the suspects used stolen trucks in the break and enters, each of the thefts were carried out in the early morning hours.
Police released a copy of surveillance video showing one theft from a Cold Lake business – where the suspects were recorded using extreme measures, like using a cutting torch, to take the machines.
In some cases, police said the suspects have dragged the machines out of businesses with chains attached to the stolen vehicle.
It’s believed the thieves then take the machines away before breaking into them, and taking the money, before dumping the ATM in a rural area.
There are concerns the crimes could continue to spread to other Alberta communities.
