Police say stolen excavators used to destroy bank in Carbonear robbery
ATM ripped from bank wall, similar to other incidents across Avalon Peninsula
Once again, someone has used heavy machinery to rob a bank on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula — this time destroying the Scotiabank in Carbonear.
In a news release sent Thursday, the RCMP say thieves stole two excavators from a nearby commercial property, used them to break through one of the building's walls and grab the drive-thru ATM, which they loaded into a stolen pick-up truck.
Police responded around 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
They said officers found the stolen truck abandoned in a gravel pit off the Trans-Canada Highway near Middle Gull Pond about five hours later. They believe multiple people were involved in the robbery.
A similar incident happened in Holyrood in December.
Frank Butt, the mayor of Carbonear, said he was saddened to see this kind of incident happen in his town.
"I can't say I was surprised, I was certainly disappointed that it had happened," Butt told CBC News Thursday.
"People seem to be more bolder, and they don't really care what they do anymore. If they want to get a $20 item, they might cause $40,000 or $50,000 worth of damage. I don't think that means much to them."
Butt said the incident has caused him to make changes at his own business, saying he removed the ATM from his gas station on Thursday.
He says he isn't worried about it being part of a trend in the community, calling it an isolated incident.
"The negative always ... is more outspoken than the positive," he said. "We don't need this in our town."
Police are asking anyone with surveillance footage in the area at the time of the robbery, or any footage of the stolen truck, to share it as an investigation continues.
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With files from Jenna Head