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Net widens to identify ATM thieves

Published on Thu, Feb 26, 2009 by Beckye Randall

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Arlington police detectives have some advice for anyone who took advantage of a malfunctioning Boeing Employees Credit Union ATM machine located in the 3700 block of 172nd Street.

"We are encouraging those that did participate to come forward rather than waiting for us to find them," said detective Peter Barrett.

"We are continuing to gain additional information from those already in custody about who else may have been involved in the scheme," Barrett continued. Two people have been arrested, a 17-year-old Arlington girl and her 18-year-old boyfriend, and another person has surrendered to police in connection with the case.

At least 13 different ATM cards were used to access over $62,000 from the defective machine, which is said to be the only BECU unit affected by the glitch. When the user requested $50 using a special jamming technique, the machine would dispense $100. Withdrawals were doubled, up to $500 in a single transaction, while the user's account was debited for the smaller requested amount.

According to a warrant filed February 2, Arlington police were alerted to the crime last fall. BECU officials did not immediately respond, insisting that the allegations were impossible. The credit union eventually launched an internal investigation and determined that bank cards were indeed being used to illegally withdraw $62,280 from the single ATM machine.

With the many leads the department is uncovering and receiving, it is estimated that several more individuals will be named and ultimately arrested.

Anyone with information, or who was involved in the theft, is urged to contact Arlington Police Department as soon as possible at 360-403-3400 or come to the Station at 110 E. Third Street, Arlington.

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