In the early hours, a crane truck again served as the tool for a theft gang specialized in robbing ATMs, reappearing at dawn in Benferri. The burglars targeted a branch of the Central Rural Fund, managing to seize cash before fleeing with the money in the truck. Local authorities launched a rapid response, and investigators are now examining whether this latest incident connects to a gang that was dismantled last year after a spree that saw 18 ATMs dismantled with crane trucks and more than half a million euros stolen across five provinces.
Experts and police sources say the recovered pattern points to a well-coordinated operation, where the attackers exploit the mobility and reach of heavy equipment to access ATM machines quickly and efficiently. The emergence of similar tactics in Benferri has prompted renewed attention to regional security measures and the vulnerabilities of unattended banking facilities during off-peak hours. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, banking logs, and prior intelligence to determine if the same criminal syndicate or a closely related faction is involved in this morning’s raid.
Authorities confirmed that the incident took place just before three thirty in the morning on Doctor José Maria Puchades street. The operation lasted roughly one minute, during which the thieves executed a swift break, disabled the ATM, and fled. The Civil Guard arrived on the scene shortly afterward to take over the investigation and begin coordinating with regional police units. The rapid pace of the assault underscores the criminals’ confidence and planning, leaving little room for intervention once the alarm was triggered.
Details remain scarce regarding the exact moment the truck appeared in the area or how the attackers managed to crash the machine so swiftly. Law enforcement notes that criminals often rely on speed and surprise to minimize their exposure and prevent on-site encounters with security forces. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on identifying potential accomplices, tracking the vehicle used in the robbery, and understanding whether a broader network is involved in these ATM-targeted crimes.
Residents and business owners in the region are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, especially movements of large vehicles near banking facilities during the early morning hours. Security experts recommend reinforcing ATM installations, improving camera coverage, and ensuring robust remote monitoring systems that can alert authorities immediately in the event of tampering. Community outreach programs are being considered to educate staff at rural financial centers on early warning signs of planned heists and proper response protocols to protect customers and employees while the investigation unfolds.
While authorities continue piecing together the events, the broader context of the prior dismantled gang looms large. The previous group, known for its ability to repurpose crane trucks to access and dismantle ATMs across multiple provinces, has left a lasting impression on regional crime dynamics. Law enforcement agencies have indicated that the current inquiry will scrutinize any links to former members and whether remnants of that operation have resurfaced under new leadership or tactics. The goal remains to disrupt these networks, recover stolen funds where possible, and reduce the risk to communities that rely on accessible banking services.