WA Police are still on the hunt for three balaclava-clad offenders who ram raided a Baldivis shopping centre almost a fortnight ago, stealing an ATM with $100,000 inside.
It’s alleged the three masked offenders slammed a blue Nissan ute through the glass entry doors to the centre on Amazon Drive at 2am on March 19.
Rapid Apprehension Squad Detective First Class Constable Alex Lowe said the offenders, believed to be from Baldivis, then used a chain to secure the ATM and dragged it from the premises.
CCTV footage showed one person ramming the vehicle through the doors and then at speed to knock the ATM over. Two other people then run into the centre to secure the ATM with a chain before driving off with the machine trailing behind.
Det. First Const. Lowe told reporters at a media conference on Saturday that the ute, which was reported stolen in April, was later discovered burnt out in bushland on March 21 in East Rockingham.
WA’s biggest courts and crime stories to your inbox
Sign-up to our weekly newsletter for free
Sign up
He wouldn’t confirm if the ATM was found inside the vehicle.
Det. First Const. Lowe said police were “actively” investigating the “serious incident” and were dedicating resources to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“Ram raids are deliberate and dangerous offences, which can create significant risk to public safety, including employees, security personnel, and members of the public who may be in the vicinity,” he said.
“The damage caused in these incidents often has a significant impact on local businesses, including financial loss, inability to trade and emotional effects on staff.
“Police acknowledge the concern this causes within the local community. Businesses are encouraged to review their security arrangements, including the use of bollards, reinforced entry points, alarms, and high-quality CCTV systems.”
Det. First Const. Lowe said no motive had been established yet and while it appeared to be an isolated incident, police are looking into any other reports of stolen ATMs to see if they are connected and if it forms part of organised crime.
“But we can’t confirm that at the moment,” he said.
The impacted shopping centre includes a nail salon, Subway and Woolworths.
