Pleasanton police urge vigilance after series of ATM robberies

(KRON) — The Pleasanton Police Department said it has increased patrols around bank parking lots after a recent series of robberies targeting victims who used ATMs.

The victims in each robbery were threatened and physically assaulted by two to three suspects, according to Pleasanton PD. Authorities said the suspects wore dark clothing and full-face masks and stole cash from the victims in the early evening hours last week.

“Based on reported similarities in time of day and suspect description, detectives believe these incidents are related,” police said.

No weapons were seen or used, but authorities are not ruling out the suspects as being armed. In each robbery, the suspects fled in a different getaway vehicle, Pleasanton PD said.

The department’s response to increase patrols around local bank parking lots aims to deter further incidents. Police also advise community members to avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at once, use indoor or well-lit ATMs in populated areas if possible, and beware of surroundings, especially after dark.

Witnesses or victims of similar crimes are urged to call 911 immediately.