PLEASANTON — Local bank parking lots will be dotted with extra police patrols this week after a string of robberies at ATM machines last week.
In a statement, police said that they have increased patrols after two or three suspects with dark clothing and full face masks approached people at the machines and robbed them during early evening hours. Police did not specify how many robberies happened
In each robbery, police said the suspects threatened and physically assaulted victims to steal cash.
Police said none of the victims reported seeing a weapon but emphasized that does not mean the suspects didn’t have any. Police did not say specifically that they believe the same people committed the robberies but said that “based on reported similarities in time of day and suspect description, detectives believe these incidents are related.”
Each of the robberies had a different getaway vehicle, police said.
Police advised citizens to be aware of their surroundings when using ATMs, especially after dark, and that if possibly, use indoor ATM’s or ones in well-lit areas. Police said they also urged people to avoid pulling out large sums of cash at once. Those who may be victimized should call 911 immediately.