Police Warn Business Owners About Rash Of ATM Thefts In Westchester

PELHAM, NY — Police say that a string of ATM thefts in Westchester County has targeted businesses in Pelham Manor.

"Recently, there have been incidents in the Pelham Manor Business Districts that involved the thefts of ATM machines," police said in a message to business owners. "The Pelham Manor Police Department takes these occurrences very seriously. While this type of theft has seen an uptick County-wide, we are actively working toward prevention in our local community."

Police Chief Thomas Atkins sent a notice to businesses reminding them to be on the lookout for suspicious activity and confirm their properties are as secure as possible.

The police chief told business owners that in each incident, the ATM was removed with a hand-truck or simply carried away. In these incidents, the perpetrators were able to easily remove the machines because they were not bolted to the floor.

Police are recommending that any business with an ATM work with their vendors to make certain the machines are properly secured. Officials also suggested that business owners make sure cash machines are not placed near exits and are covered by security cameras.

Officials said this is another case where "see something, say something " is a good rule of thumb and if business owners notice suspicious activity at an ATM, their first call should be to the police department at 914-738-1000 or 911 from a landline phone.