ATM theft attempts reported at 2 nationalised banks in Quepem

Margao: Two separate attempted ATM thefts were reported in the early hours of Friday, targeting Canara Bank and State Bank of India (SBI) branches in Quepem.
The first incident occurred at approximately 2am at the SBI ATM located in Gudi, Paroda. According to a complaint filed by SBI Margao deputy manager Anjali Pawar, unidentified perpetrators broke into the ATM booth after damaging the front door. The criminals also vandalised the keypad panel and e-surveillance system, cut wires, damaged false ceiling panels, and tampered with CCTV footage.
In a similar incident reported just minutes later at 2.30am, an attempted theft was discovered at the Canara Bank ATM booth opposite the old police station in Cusman, Quepem. Canara Bank senior manager Rajeev Sharma reported that unidentified individuals broke into the ATM booth and damaged the machine in an attempt to steal cash.
The Quepem police station registered separate cases for both incidents. Police said that the proximity in timing and similar modus operandi of both attempts suggest the incidents may be related. Further investigation is on.