Thieves and scammers have long targeted ATMs, attempting to steal money out of the machine by various means of fraud. But sometime during Sunday night, brazen burglars took the entire machine. They broke into the Heritage ATM in Burrell Boom and somehow pried the machine's bolts off the base and just took it. Police aren't sure yet how much money was in the machine, but they confirmed that it isn't the first ATM that's been hit in recent months. ACP Hilberto Romero told us more.
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"On Monday the 8th day of May 2023, police visited Helen Wu store situated in Burrell Boom Village. There, the police found out that a burglary occurred at the establishment and stolen was one ATM machine belonging to Heritage Bank. We are reviewing video footage and the investigation into this matter continues."
Reporter:
"Any idea how these thieves were able to remove the machine?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"They gained entry by forcing open the front door, thereafter they made their way into the area where the ATM machine is located and they pried it open."
Courtney Menzies:
"Do you know how much money was in the ATM machine?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"We do not know at this time, we are working to get the amount at this time."
Courtney Menzies:
"I understand this is the second Heritage ATM that has been targeted and the other one was a Belize Bank ATM. Do you believe it is the same group of people going to all these ATMs?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"We are not sure if they are the same persons that are involved."
Courtney Menzies:
"Do you know around what time it might have happened? I assume it would have been very loud for them to take it out."
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"It was during the nighttime and then until they opened they store they found out that it had been stolen."
We reached out to Heritage Bank for comment, but they declined to give one at this time as the investigation is in its early stages.
A Belize Bank ATM was recently stolen in San Roman village, Corozal District.
