No readies for gangsters in cashpoint explosion
A cashpoint at a branch of the Argenta bank in Borsbeek (Antwerp) was targeted by thieves early this morning. The thieves were eager to get their greedy hands on some lucre and decided to stage an explosion.
However, it seems that the attack didn't yield any readies for the gangsters. Nico Roeland of the local police doesn't believe the thieves got away with any money: "There were no notes anywhere in the street. We're banking on the assumption that it failed."
A gas detection system in the ATM meant all notes were damaged and could no longer be used.
The attack came as a rude awakening for the gentleman living above the branch. He was roused at 4:30 AM by a loud explosion. He saw people run off, but they were able to get away.
Police, when they arrived, cordoned off the entire area and called in the army bomb squad. Flanders was hit by a wave of explosions targeting ATMs in May and June of this year. Attacks were staged at Tielt-Winge, Kinrooi, Buggenhout, Boechout, Lummen and Lommel. Six suspects have been detained. Eight people are in custody. Detectives now wish to see whether the attackers, who were filmed, can be linked to this gang.