In one incident, a resident of Midrand whose name has been withheld, got the shock of his life when a man tried to rob him while he was using a Standard Bank ATM at the centre. He said the suspect, who was caught on CCTV footage, complained that he was taking too long at the ATM. The man moved behind the complainant and offered to help him withdraw the money faster, but the complainant declined and told the suspect to move away and give him privacy.
The suspect allegedly got frustrated and slapped the complainant and demanded the money. The complainant said he was stuck between making sure his transaction was complete and fending off someone trying to rob him. However, bystanders who witnessed the incident chased away the suspect who got into a vehicle which only had number plates on the front.
During the incident, the suspect’s alleged accomplice was pretending to buy goods in a shop next to the ATM. The man was also caught on CCTV footage as he left his shopping basket, ran out of the shop and got into the same vehicle.
Watch the CCTV footage:
A security guard at the centre who witnessed the incident and also did not want to be named, said he could not intervene as he was not armed. He added that he feared for his life as the criminals could have been armed.
The victim of the attempted robbery said, “If security was strengthened around the centre we would not be having all these problems.”
The centre’s manager Christos de Lange confirmed that there had been two incidents at the ATM and it was a cause for concern. Apparently, a second incident had been reported to a security guard by a woman who alleged that someone had tried to rob her at the same ATM. The security guard had reported the matter to the centre but there was no report of a case being opened with police.
“Security guards at the centre are aware of the incidents and will keep being visible to ensure that centre visitors are safe,” he said.
Ross Linstrom, a spokesperson for Standard Bank said the bank was aware of the two incidents. “Both of these incidents are extremely unfortunate,” said Linstrom.
“Standard Bank has a zero tolerance stance towards fraud and crime. Where charges have been laid with the police, Standard Bank will assist the authorities in their investigation.
“Standard Bank will assess the security arrangements in the immediate area surrounding the ATM and will implement any recommendations that are made by the assessment.”
The open sides of the ATM cubicle have since been closed in.
A case of attempted robbery has been opened by the complainant at Midrand Police Station.
Details: Midrand Police Station 011 347 1600.
Also read:
Housebreaking thwarted by security guards
Police descend on criminals on Lever and Olifantsfontein roads
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