In a late-night crime attempt that has triggered concern among traders and residents in Somawarapete, two masked individuals attempted to break open a State Bank of India (SBI) ATM on MG Road in the town. The incident occurred around 2:05 AM on Friday when the perpetrators arrived at the location in a car.
According to reports from the local police, the suspects entered the ATM booth adjacent to the main SBI branch and used a small iron crowbar to force open the machine's outer metallic cover. However, while attempting to breach the inner safe compartment housing the cash, they got spooked by perceived movement outside and fled the spot in their vehicle, leaving the robbery incomplete.
The entire sequence of events was recorded by the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed inside the ATM enclosure. Somawarapete Police have registered a case and initiated a search operation based on the video footage and vehicle tracks. Officers are examining traffic camera feeds across key entry and exit points in the taluk to identify the suspects.
The incident comes shortly after another residential break-in was reported on Banavara Road in Somawarapete, heightening civic anxiety over local crime. Local shopkeepers on MG Road and financial institutions in Somawarapete have urged the police department to step up night patrolling and improve surveillance around banking hubs and commercial areas.