Call it a case of master hacking or software compromise - the bottom line is seven ATMs have lost at least Rs 1 crore to thieves perfecting the craft to crack cash vaults in several localities.
Police suspect the modus operandi of the gang is not about breaking the machines but involves cracking the security code of the ATMs with a help of some software.
"At present, the police are trying to identify the thieves who have full knowledge about software and computer systems. They somehow hack into the security code of the ATMs and create a software override. Some of the CCTV cameras installed in the ATM kiosks have the picture of one person involved in the act but he is wearing a black mask. We can only say that the matter is being investigated and help from experts is being sought besides those in our cyber crime unit," senior superintendent of police Jitender Rana, said today.
Till now, the men have targeted seven ATM kiosks under the Jakkanpur, Digha, Danapur, Airport, Sachivalaya, Buddha Colony, Shastrinagar and Sultanganj police station areas. The total amount stolen from these ATMs is estimated at Rs 1 crore.
"The men mainly target the ATMs of nationalised banks as many of them remain unguarded throughout the day and night. There is a strong suspicion that a group of people working in the banks might be involved in these incidents. They could be men who fill in cash in the ATMs. It is an easy task for them as they know how to open the machines without having to break them. The police, apart from trying to identify them, are also trying to know how they do it. The money which has been stolen from these ATMs is quite huge sum. Help from all possible state-level agencies and experts are being taken," Rana added.
Police sources said the help of banks had also been sought. "The police are talking to the different banks too in connection with the case. They have been asked to provide us a list of persons who fill in cash in the ATMs. Also, the police are scanning the background of private security guards and agencies looking after the ATM counters," another officer said.
