Police probe thefts targeting women at Jaffna ATMs

Police in Jaffna are investigating a group suspected of loitering near bank ATMs and stealing cash from customers immediately after withdrawals.

Three such incidents have been reported so far this month, with all the victims being women.

According to the victims, the suspects are young men who deliberately dress in torn, untidy clothes and behave in a manner intended to make them appear mentally unstable or harmless.

The women said this behaviour meant customers did not pay much attention to them while using ATMs.

The suspects allegedly wait until customers withdraw cash before snatching the money and fleeing.

Following the incidents, banks with ATMs in the affected areas have strengthened security around their machines.