A criminal tactic known as “cash trapping” at ATMs is believed to have arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador.

RNC say customers trying to access cash from a drive-thru terminal at a bank on Old Placentia Road in Mount Pearl believed that the machine was out of operation as their cash did not appear. The interruption began Friday and lasted until about 4:00 p.m. Monday afternoon when officers were called in.

RNC say a steel bar had been placed over the ATM dispensary slot, preventing money from being accessed.

The practice of “cash trapping,” believed to be a first in Newfoundland and Labrador, leads bank clients to believe the machine is not working or out of money. Those responsible wait for the clients to leave, then approach the ATM and take the cash from behind the steel bar.

Police are asking anyone who observes or experiences suspicious activity while using an ATM to contact the ATM operator immediately.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.