Stolen truck driven into store in suspected ATM theft attempt

Hamilton police say they’re seeing an increase in thieves using stolen vehicles to smash into businesses and knock over ATMs, for the purpose of stealing the bank machines.

The latest suspected attempt happened around 3 a.m. Tuesday at Governor’s Variety, at 10 Governors Rd., between Ogilvie Street and Osler Drive. This is the second time this business has been targeted in two months, said Const. Lorraine Edwards.

When police arrived they found a stolen pickup truck smashed through the storefront, she said. All occupants of the truck had already fled and the store, which was not open at the time.

Photos from the scene show a truck that appears to have backed into the storefront, but missed the ATM.

Edwards said a similar incident happened at the same variety store last month, and police are investigating whether the two incidents are related. In both cases police suspect the intent was to steal the ATM.

The first incident happened around 6:15 a.m. Feb. 1 when a vehicle rammed into the store, she said.

Nothing was stolen and no one has been arrested.

There has been a notable increase in these brazen thefts in Hamilton and other surrounding communities recently, Edwards said. The thefts are particularly concerning because the thieves “don’t seem to have any regard for anybody.” They often cause significant damage smashing through doors and windows.

However, Edwards also noted that it’s the businesses, not people, who are targeted, with the incidents typically happening overnight when the stores are closed.

Police caution store owners who have ATMs to secure them away from entrances and to make sure surveillance videos are up-to-date and working.