Skip to content

Police are not yet revealing cause of explosion at SASCU ATM

A thief or thieves destroyed the downtown SASCU bank machine in the early hours of Tuesday, Sept. 11
13494151_web1_20180911-SAA-SASCU-ATM-inside
Debris lies on the floor of the inside of the vestibule of SASCU’s downtown branch after a thief or thieves use an explosion in an attempt to steal cash from an ATM early Tuesday, Sept. 11. (SASCU photo)

Police say they have no word yet on what caused the explosion at the downtown Salmon Arm SASCU branch in the early morning hours of Sept. 11.

The front entrance of the credit union building was heavily damaged Tuesday when a thief or thieves destroyed the ATM in the branch’s front entrance with an explosion in an attempt to steal cash.

No one was harmed in the incident and the thieves failed to obtain any funds.

Related:Thieves attempt to steal cash from SASCU ATM

SASCU officials are assisting the RCMP with the investigation. Staff Sgt. Scott West said Wednesday that police have received no information from investigators yet as to what was used to cause the explosion.

A SASCU news release says this is one of a number of similar incidents in the region.

A SASCU ATM in a vestibule at Centenoka Park Mall was targeted by thieves in July. The ATM was badly smashed but no money was obtained in that incident either.

Related: Shuswap bank destroyed by fire

In Chase in mid-August, the RBC bank was heavily damaged by fire when a person or persons started a blaze in the ATM vestibule which quickly spread. Chase RCMP have been looking for information regarding a vehicle that drove past the bank at the time the fire started.

The SASCU Salmon Arm branch has remained open with members being asked to use a side entrance while the front undergoes repairs. An attendant has been on site to direct people to the temporary entrance and the drive-thru ATM remains operational.

Salmon Arm RCMP officers and specialized regional police resources are being used to investigate the explosion. SASCU staff and the RCMP have determined that thieves didn’t enter the main branch and all personal client information stored inside is secure.


@SalmonArm
jim.elliot@saobserver.net

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter



Jim Elliot

About the Author: Jim Elliot

I’m a B.C. transplant here in Whitehorse at The News telling stories about the Yukon's people, environment, and culture.
Read more