Tobago Correspondent
One suspect has been charged in connection with a brazen ATM heist in Plymouth on June 24.
Police have confirmed Sherman Irvine, 35, of Black Rock, Tobago, has been charged with a series of offences related to an elaborate robbery that left five bandits empty-handed. Irvine appeared in court on Friday and was denied bail.
Police say the suspects first held up three estate constables at a Tobago House of Assembly facility in Courland around 1.30 am and stole a backhoe and three-tonne truck.
They then made their way to Shelbourne Street, three kilometres away, and ripped the First Citizens ATM vault from a building using the backhoe. However, the bandits were unable to load the vault onto the truck as the backhoe’s arm was damaged.
One of the suspects dressed as Batman was seen in CCTV footage unsuccessfully attempting to lift the vault into the tray.
Several suspects were arrested days later, but only Irvine has been charged thus far. His case had been adjourned to October 5.
He faces three counts of robbery, two counts of false imprisonment, three counts of malicious damage, break in and larceny.
Police told Guardian Media the investigation remains open as they search for the alleged accomplices.
Meanwhile, First Citizens has decommissioned the ATM, leaving residents in Plymouth and environs upset over the inconvenience. They say the ATM’s absence has disrupted their lives and is affecting business sales. Plymouth/Black Rock electoral representative Kern Alexis is expected to write to the bank to advocate for the return of the ATM on their behalf.
