BITONTO – An attempted attack on the Deutsche Bank ATM in Via della Repubblica ended badly for two members of the criminal commando who, around 3 am, tried to blow up the ATM with a homemade bomb. The explosion injured two of the criminals, who were subsequently hospitalized at the Bari Polyclinic.
The attack comes just a few days after the theft that took place on June 15th at the expense of Monte dei Paschi di Siena. This time, however, something went wrong. The device, instead of opening the ATM, hit two of the thieves, causing them serious injuries. The accomplices of the injured left them at the entrance of the Policlinico di Bari, in Viale Ennio. One of the two was admitted to the intensive care unit due to the seriousness of his condition.
Investigations underway
The vigilantes and state police officers intervened promptly at the site of the explosion, starting investigations to reconstruct the exact dynamics of the event and identify all the members of the commando. Investigators are examining footage from surveillance cameras in the area and collecting testimonies that can provide further details on the failed operation.
Previous attacks
This is not the first incident of an ATM robbery to have occurred in the area in recent weeks. The theft on June 15th at Monte dei Paschi di Siena had already alerted the local police. Investigators are trying to understand whether there is a connection between the two episodes and whether the group responsible could be the same.
Security alert
The incident has put the spotlight back on the security of banks and ATMs, prompting the authorities to intensify checks and night-time surveillance to prevent further theft attempts. Bitonto residents were urged to immediately report any suspicious activity near ATMs to the police.
The investigation is still ongoing and further developments are expected in the coming days, as authorities continue to work to identify and arrest all those responsible for the failed assault.
