Two held after ATM backhoe robbery attempt in Plymouth

Tobago authorities have apprehended two suspects following a daring attempt to steal an ATM in Plymouth using a stolen backhoe and truck. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, with five individuals involved in the failed robbery. The entire event was recorded by CCTV cameras and subsequently circulated widely on social media.

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We lost the one in Castara due to an attempted robbery; we just lost the one in Plymouth due to an attempted robbery; so that would certainly have an impact on commercial activity in the village of Plymouth.

Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine commented on the incident, expressing hope for charges against those responsible. He noted the significant impact such attempts have on commercial activity in villages like Plymouth, especially after a previous ATM robbery in Castara. Augustine lamented the shift in Tobago's cultural landscape, raising concerns about how to enhance security for citizens and assets.

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Tobago is really not the same place it used to be, and how do we provide additional security measures to keep citizens and our assets safe is of significant concern to the Tobago House of Assembly.

Augustine urged those who committed the act to seek better paths than crime, emphasizing the inconvenience caused to the entire community. The THA plans to collaborate with the bank to reinstate the ATMs. First Citizens bank confirmed the ATM at Supreme Plaza has been decommissioned, directing customers to alternative locations. The Plymouth/Bethesda Village Council condemned the attempted theft, highlighting the ATM's importance as an essential service and calling for increased police patrols.

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The council stressed the ATM was an essential service, and the attempted theft of it was distressing for the community.