MELAKA: A local bank here incurred RM5,000 damages after a disabled man struck its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) with a claw hammer in a botched attempt to steal cash.

       Melaka Tengah OCPD Asst Comm Afzanizar Ahmad said the 43-year-old suspect had smashed the cash dispenser part of the ATM outside a bank along Jalan Munshi Abdullah between 4am and 5am recently.

       “We were initially puzzled as to why the suspect had smashed the ATM’s cash dispenser in an attempt to remove money, when usually a card is needed to withdraw cash.

       “An investigation was launched following a police report lodged by the bank’s security guard on the same day,” he said on Monday (Sept 27).

       ACP Afzanizar said police viewed the CCTV footage of the bank before identifying the suspect.

       “We managed to trace the suspect and detained him in less than five hours,” he said.

       ACP Afzanizar said police discovered the suspect is registered with the Welfare Department and was issued the People With Disabilities (OKU) card due to psychiatric problems.

       He said the suspect is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief.

       In another development, ACP Afzanizar said his men managed to nab three men for suspected armed robberies and a snatch theft reported at the historic city.

       He said the robbery gang known as “Jaya Geng '' was led by a 43-year-old man.

       ACP Afzanizar said the mastermind was arrested on Sept 21, followed by two of his accomplices, a 31-year-old and a 28-year-old, during subsequent raids.

       He said police have managed to solve three robberies and one snatch theft case with the arrest of the trio.

       “The gang has been active since this July and all three suspects are under remand until Sept 30,” he added.