Guelph police arrest man for ATM “cash trap” theft scheme

A 52-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sophisticated theft scheme involving “cash traps” installed on ATMs in Guelph, Ontario. The devices, which were attached to machines using double-sided tape, were designed to mimic the appearance of cash dispenser doors. When customers attempted to withdraw money, the cash would become trapped between the actual dispenser and the fake door, leading users to believe the machine was malfunctioning.

Suspects would then return to the machines to remove the traps, collect the trapped cash, and reapply the devices to target subsequent victims. Police report that at least six different banks had their machines compromised, with at least $4,400 known to have been stolen.

The suspect, who has no fixed address, faces nine counts of theft under $5,000 and seven counts of mischief under $5,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 21. Investigators are continuing to work with other police services regarding similar incidents.