3 auto drivers held for bid to break ATM in Kovai

The accused identified as Balaji (25), Buvaneshwaran (24) and Rangaraj (31), all hailing from Edayarpalayam, had made a vain attempt to break open the ATM machine of a private bank at Edayarpalayam in Kavundampalayam area.

“The trio consumed liquor and got into the ATM centre to break open the machine. When they damaged the machine with an iron rod, the alarm switched on. Sensing trouble, the three men left the spot, but returned again after the alarm went silent,” police said.

The three then began to hit the machine vigorously. On hearing the alarm go off for a long time, local residents came to the spot and found the trio inside the ATM centre.

On seeing the people, the burglars attempted to run away. A few youngsters, who chased the trio, were unsuccessful in their attempts to nab them.

On receiving information, the Thudiyalur police rushed to the spot and inspected the CCTV recordings. After inquiries, police identified the accused as auto drivers from the same neighbourhood and picked them up within a few hours after the incident. Police are investigating whether they were involved in any such criminal incidents in the past.

Meanwhile, police have urged banks to deploy security guards in ATM centres to prevent break-ins.