A MILLICENT business has been left with significant damages after a theft on Sunday night.
Police investigators believe at least two offenders were involved in the incident which is suspected to be linked to other suspicious activity at the hotel last week.
The Sportsmans Hotel on George Street was broken into sometime between 11pm Sunday and 7am the following morning after the rear door was jemmied open.
Police investigators believe at least two offenders were involved in the theft of the ATM, which was bolted to the floor just inside the door.
Sportsmans Hotel manager Karen Watson said a cleaner who was working late allegedly spotted “two or three” hooded people outside the building.
However, she did not think much of it as the group soon disappeared.
Two hours later at around 12.30am an upstairs resident reportedly heard what sounded like a “muffled jackhammer”.
“He looked outside and could not see anything,” Ms Watson said.
“It was not until he went downstairs at around 7am that he noticed the ATM was missing.
“The offenders would not have got away with much – maybe $700, but the ATM itself was worth around $7000.
“I’m really angry, I hope whoever did this is caught and full charges are laid.”
Ms Watson said there had been suspicious activity outside the premises the week before the theft and believes the incidents could be linked.
“We had two incidents here the week before,” Ms Watson said.
“A large pot plant had been ripped out of the ground outside and a steel stool had been smashed in the car park.
“I believe whoever did this had planned how they were going to break in beforehand.”
The ATM, which was forced open, had cash stolen from it and was found dumped in a paddock at Rocky Camp Road at about 9.30am.
A vehicle was used to move the machine after it was stolen.
Police are seeking information from the public in relation to the crime and are urging anyone with information that would assist them is askedvto call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestopperssa.com.au/ – you can remain anonymous.
