Ah yes, the old “pull an ATM free using a vehicle” trick. It seems a simple premise, with what one would suspect is an equally straightforward execution, but seeing as most thieves aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed, it’s a heist that often goes terribly wrong. Such is the case for this as-yet unidentified crook from Townsville, Queensland, who was undone by his own daftness.
The video above, released last week by Queensland Police, shows the hilarious results of the man’s bungled attempt to rescue an ATM from its humble service station abode.
Ignoring the fact the man’s escapades were caught on tape via several closed-circuit TV cameras, things appear to get off to an OK start. Trouble begins however when the would-be burglar, with hook and chain in tow, gets caught on a rotating display. This requires the man to tug a few times on the chain to get it close enough to the ATM and in the process, disconnects it from the ute.
Having successfully attached the hook to the ATM, the man returns to his vehicle (stolen, of course). He doesn’t notice that the chain has come loose and in his excitement, drives off. The ATM, unsurprisingly, does not follow.
The man returns, processes the situation and after trying to yank the ATM end closer to the ute, decides to call off the entire venture and leave the scene.
It’s at once sad and funny… but mostly funny. And no, he hasn’t been caught, but if this enlightening footage is anything to go by, it’s just a matter of time.
[YouTube, via the Townsville Bulletin]