The Money Mart in downtown Innisfail was broken into and its ATM machine stolen in the early morning hours last week.
It is the second major incident at the business in the past four months. Last October Money Mart was victimized by a bomb scare.
“This morning at approximately 6:03 a.m., we received a call that the front of the Money Mart was broken open and the ATM was missing from inside the Money Mart,” said Innisfail RCMP Cpl. Don Morrish. “Members responded to that, took photos and started their investigation at that point in time.”
Morrish said the ATM was located several hours later at the rural junction of Rge. Rd. 13 and Twp. Rd. 350. He added the recovered ATM was damaged and empty.
It has not been confirmed how much money was taken or was inside the machine at the time of the theft Tuesday morning, he said.
Morrish noted ATM thefts have been an ongoing issue for the past couple of years.
“We have had ATM thefts and attempted ATM thefts in the area,” he said. “It's something that was a real concern a couple of years ago and there were a couple of people arrested in regards to that. It seems to go in cycles.
“Locations with ATMs have been targeted. Whether it be a restaurant or a pub, the ATMs are of interest,” Morrish added. “Places with ATMs should, if they can, leave them open so it's obvious that they are empty.”
Meanwhile, Innisfail mayor Brian Spiller said town officials are concerned about any theft or vandalism, regardless what kind of business is targeted.
“We have ATMs in gas stations, in bars, restaurants, we have one in the arena. Where there's money people will try to steal it regardless if we're in bad economic times or good economic times,” said Spiller. “It just happens. Businesses have to properly secure their equipment and have (burglar) alarms and good security for their premises.”
Penhold mayor Dennis Cooper, whose town has recently expressed concern about welcoming payday loan businesses, agreed with Spiller that businesses must become vigilant with security.
“I think it's terrible that people are targeting those establishments (payday loan businesses),” said Cooper, noting that members of the public can play a role in helping prevent such crimes. “It's more important now that when people see anything suspicious, it's time to pick up the phone and report it to the police.
“I think the big thing is that you have to try to make things as foolproof as possible and you have to be as observant as possible,” added Cooper. “That's what we need. We need to get out there and be active citizens and be aware.”
Police are continuing their investigation.
RCMP Cpl. Don Morrish
"Locations with ATMs have been targeted. Whether it be a restaurant or a pub, the ATMs are of interest."
