ATM bandits strike

Peter Hawkins

November 25, 2008 - 6:15AM

Masked men have blown up three ATMs across Sydney early this morning, exploding machines in Clovelly, Chester Hill and Guildford, police said.

The first ATM hit was the Bendigo Bank on Clovelly Road at Clovelly in the city's eastern suburbs.

About 1.45am four men exploded the street-front ATM at the intersection of Mount Street using gas cylinders, sending glass and debris flying as far as the other side of the road.

The ATM and front of the bank were destroyed.

In the explosion, the thieves' dark grey Audi getaway car parked out the front of the bank was also damaged, forcing them to abandon it, police said.

Police established a perimeter around the bank and told nearby neighbours to evacuate their homes until the gas cylinders in the boot of the car are deemed safe.

Police closed Clovelly Road as well as several surrounding streets and conducted Polair and dog squad searches throughout the early hours of this morning.

About the same time another group of three masked men exploded an ATM at a bank on Waldron Street at Chester Hill in Sydney's west.

Police said the ATM and front section of the bank was significantly damaged and the area has been cordoned off while officers investigate.

The three men, also using an Audi, but this time silver, as a getaway car, then managed to escape, police said.

The third attack in the space of half an hour happened about 2.15am, with men this time targeting an ATM at the front of a physiotherapist shop on Guildford Road at Guildford in Sydney north west, police said.

Guilford Road between Cross Street and Station Street have been cordoned off.

Police said it is not yet known if the Guildford and Chester Hill explosions are linked or if any of the men escaped with cash.

This mornings three ATM explosions make it seven robberies or attempted robberies using gas cylinders in the last week.

Detectives from Strike Force Piccadilly, who are investigating a spate of ATM explosions using gas cylinders across Sydney since July, have been notified.

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