NAWILIWILI — An ATM machine was stolen early Monday morning from Anchor Cove Shopping Center. Kaua‘i Police Department stated that the incident is believed to have occurred sometime after midnight, and were alerted to the theft by a Loomis employee
NAWILIWILI — An ATM machine was stolen early Monday morning from Anchor Cove Shopping Center.
Kaua‘i Police Department stated that the incident is believed to have occurred sometime after midnight, and were alerted to the theft by a Loomis employee who called at 6:50 a.m. to report the ATM belonging to Financial Consulting and Trading International was missing.
According to one shopkeeper, the ATM was missing before the stores opened. He said the thief or thieves apparently broke the machine free of four bolts that secured it to the concrete beneath.
It was difficult to tell whether human or perhaps a vehicle pulled the ATM from its mounting using a rope or chain. It was apparently moved to a vehicle in the light of the parking lot and visible from the highway.
“It was pretty risky,” said the shopkeeper. “This is a pretty well lighted area.”
Anchor Cove management said police were already on the scene when they arrived. Management said KPD Sgt. James Miller is in charge of the investigation and blocked off the area to recover evidence left behind and to take several photographs.
Management said the ATM machine was new and was the replacement of a machine damaged in a failed theft attempt in April 2010. They said bolts and other security mounts were all new as well.
Financial Consulting and Trading International is based in Los Angeles and evening staff said spokespersons and management had left for the day at the time of the call.
Harbor Mall management across the street said they have security cameras and haven’t had a similar attempt on their property.
According to KPD Chief Darryl Perry, at the time the Pine Tree Inn roof was dismantled early August, more than 40 investigations were conducted in the area behind the mall over three years. The area, after 6 p.m., has been a scene of illegal drugs, gambling, nuisance complaints, delinquent minors, and violent crime.
KPD is asking anyone with information about this incident to call the Dispatch at 241-1711; Investigative Services Bureau at 241-1696 or Crime Stoppers at 241-1887.
∫ Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
