Two unidentified individuals stole Rs. 30,000 from an SBI ATM in Kuniyamuthur, Coimbatore, using an innovative technique. The theft was discovered after customers complained about failed transactions.
Coimbatore: A shocking incident of ATM theft has come to light in Coimbatore, where two unidentified individuals used an innovative technique to steal money from multiple ATM machines. The primary incident occurred at an SBI ATM in Kuniyamuthur area of Coimbatore.
Four days ago, customers who attempted to withdraw money from the SBI ATM in Kuniyamuthur received SMS notifications confirming their transactions, but no cash was dispensed. Assuming it was a temporary glitch, many customers expected the money to be credited back to their accounts within 24 hours.
When the funds were not returned to their accounts, affected customers filed complaints at the Kuniyamuthur bank branch. Bank employees reviewed the CCTV footage based on these complaints.
The footage revealed two mysterious individuals entering the ATM booth and attaching tape to the cash dispenser slot of the machine before leaving. After customers attempted and failed to withdraw money, the same individuals returned, removed the tape, and made off with a total of Rs. 30,000 that had been trapped in the dispenser.
Following this discovery, the bank branch manager filed a complaint with the Kuniyamuthur Police. The police registered a case and began investigating by collecting CCTV footage from cameras along the route taken by the suspects.
Initial investigations revealed that the same modus operandi was used to steal money from five ATMs, including one on Periya Kadai Street in Coimbatore and another in Avinashi, Tiruppur district.
A special police team has been formed to track down the suspects who fled after the thefts. The release of the CCTV footage has caused a stir among the public, highlighting the need for increased vigilance at ATM locations.
Authorities advise ATM users to be cautious and report any suspicious activities or failed transactions immediately to the bank and local police.