Attempt to break into ATM foiled by residents, but gang goes on to strike at nine shops and a petrol pump near Lonavala
Attempt to break into ATM foiled by residents, but gang goes on to strike at nine shops and a petrol pump near Lonavala
A gang of robbers looted a petrol pump in Wadgaon Maval and ransacked nine shops in Pavana Nagar near Lonavala soon after their attempt to break into the Karla branch of the Bank of Maharashtra was foiled by alert citizens on Monday night.
Last week, a similar attempt was made at the Pavana Nagar branch of the PDCC Bank, Bank of Maharashtra ATM in Morwadi and a UCO Bank ATM in Kharalwadi by the same gang using a stolen car, said sources.
On Monday night, the robbers tried to open the shutters of Bank of Maharashtra when some residents heard the noise. Sensing trouble, the gang fled, said officials from the Lonavala police station.
A few residents chased the robbers while others informed the police. Assistant Police Inspector Nitin Thakre and some residents reached Ambegaon near Pavana Nagar and found the robbers' abandoned car. Swords, other sharp weapons, batteries and screwdrivers were also found in the car.
It was revealed later that after bank break-in attempt failed, the gang looted Rs 20,000 from a petrol pump in Kadhdhe near Pavana Nagar and robbed nine shops.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Lonavala) Dilip Shinde said, "We have got important leads on the suspects. They seem to be aware of the area. We have eyewitnesses who have identified the criminals on record."
He refused to comment on whether it was the same gangu00a0 that struck a few days ago at Kharalwadi and Morwadi in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
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