Police hunt ATM bandits

PHOEBE WEARNE, The West Australian January 31, 2012, 6:54 am

Mogens Johansen/The West Australian © Workers clean up after the ram raid.

Police are hunting bandits who smashed into a South Lake shopping centre and tried to steal an ATM early this morning.

A police spokesman said the ram raiders tried to pull the machine, believed to be an ANZ ATM, from its wall at South Lake Shopping Centre about 2.40am.

The bandits smashed through the front of the shopping centre, causing considerable damage which was being repaired this morning.

A Toyota Landcruiser is believed to have pulled the ATM from its wall and dragged it along the road before it became stuck under the 4WD, forcing the thieves to abandon it on North Lake Road.

The ATM was still stuck under the car on a nearby median strip this morning.

Police are investigating.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.