Lucknow: An attempted ATM theft was reported from the Banthra area of Lucknow, where a man wearing a helmet tried to break open a cash machine but failed to steal money despite damaging it for several minutes. The entire incident, which lasted around seven minutes, was captured on CCTV cameras installed inside the booth.According to police, the incident took place on Apr 10 at an ATM kiosk located in a market along the Bani–Mohanlalganj road in Paharpur under the Banthra police station limits. The ATM, operated by Hitachi Payment Services, was targeted by the accused in an apparent attempt to loot cash.CCTV footage shows the suspect entering the booth wearing a helmet, possibly to conceal his identity. He is then seen using a crowbar to repeatedly strike the ATM machine, damaging the outer casing. However, the accused failed to break the lock, and access the cash compartment. After failing to retrieve any money, he fled the scene.The incident came to light on the morning of Apr 11 when local shopkeepers noticed the damaged ATM and informed the property owner, Mahendra Srivastava. A police team reached the spot and conducted a preliminary investigation.Station house officer, Banthra, Rana Rajesh Singh, said that CCTV footage from the ATM booth and nearby areas is being examined to identify the suspect. Although he wore a helmet, parts of his face were briefly visible in the footage, which may aid in identification.
