Two Romanians are facing more than three dozen charges after allegedly tampering with ATMs with cash-trapping devices in York Region.
York Regional Police (YRP) said financial institutions reported 14 incidents between June 17 and July 27.
The suspects would attend ATMs, police said, and install double-sided tape inside the cash-dispensing slot, preventing victims from retrieving their money.
The suspects would then return to the machines and allegedly take out the trapped money.
As a result of their investigation, two suspects were arrested last week.
YRP said officers also recovered a large quantity of double-sided tape and fabricated metal slides, which were believed to have been used in making the cash-trapping devices.
In a news release on Thursday, the suspects were identified as 41-year-old Razvan Zenica and 52-year-old Vasile Stoean, both from Romania.
The two suspects are facing a combined 19 counts of theft under $5,000 and 19 counts of mischief under $5,000. The charges have not been tested in court.
Police said the suspects are known to travel throughout southwestern Ontario and they believe there may be more victims.
“If you observe anything suspicious or believe an ATM has been tampered with, please report it to police and notify the financial institution immediately,” YRP said.
“When using an ATM, always confirm that the amount of cash dispensed matches the amount you requested to withdraw. If the cash does not dispense, or if only a partial amount is dispensed, do not leave the area until you have contacted the financial institution and reported the incident.”
