The same day that Oakland police put out a public safety advisory about an “uptick” in robberies at ATMs, at least two more people were victimized that night.
A 76-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man fell victim to the robberies. Authorities say the incidents don’t seem to be connected.
The woman was approached by at least one male suspect outside the Wells Fargo Bank branch in the Village Square Shopping Center. After forcibly taking the cash she had withdrawn from the ATM, the suspect coerced her into withdrawing more money, which was also taken. The woman did not sustain any injuries.
Around 11:45 p.m., the 51-year-old man was targeted by four suspects, one of whom was armed, at an ATM located outside the Wells Fargo Bank branch near Trestle Glen Road. The man was robbed of money and his cell phones. He remained unharmed.
On Monday, Oakland police warned the public about an uptick in robberies at ATMs.
According to the release, “In several recent cases, the victim was using the ATM when they were approached by an armed individual(s) and robbed of their belongings. The armed individual(s) were seen leaving the area either on foot or by vehicle. In other cases, the victim is followed home or to another location after using the ATM and then robbed of their belongings.”
Oakland PD recommends paying attention to the surroundings while at an ATM, and if possible, use the one located inside a bank.
This warning is similar to the one released by OPD back in October of last year.