Alberta ATM thefts traced to two crime rings, police say

Police say they have identified two organized crimerings in Alberta responsible for a growing number of ATM thefts across the province.

Several suspects have been arrested, according to a news release Monday.

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In the first six months of this year, thieves targeted more than130 ATMs, according to arelease from theAlberta Law Enforcement Response Team, orALERT.

Criminals hit banks, creditunions, gas stations, and convenience stores in more than 60 communities, police said.

The businesses often sustained severe damage to theirbuildings, as well as monetary loss.

ALERT and RCMPhavescheduled a news conference toprovide more details Tuesday morning in Edmonton.