General News
26 February, 2022
ATM thief charged
POLICE have charged a local boy after he allegedly stole cash from a 78-year-old man at an ATM in Byrnes Street, Mareeba.
Police say the 15-year-old boy approached the older man as he was removing cash from the ATM and snatched the money from his hand, before running away.
Extensive investigations by Mareeba Criminal Investigation Branch officers located the boy at a Cairns address last week, where he was arrested.
The Mareeba teenager was charged with stealing and will be dealt with under provisions of the Youth Justice Act. Acting Inspector Rob Campbell said the theft was a timely reminder to be vigilant around financial institutions and ATMs, particularly when in possession of sums of cash.
“There may be an opportunity for the community to rethink the need to use cash in transactions, particularly with safer cashless options available,” Acting Inspector Campbell said.
“I would also like to remind people not to leave their vehicles running or keys in the ignition while taking money from ATMs, as this presents opportunities for thieves to steal vehicles.”
