Thrissur: A four-member gang broke open three ATMs run by the State Bank of India (SBI) using a gas cutter and made away with approximately Rs 65 lakhs in the early morning hours on Friday.

The gang arrived in a white car. The ATMs, all belonging to the State Bank of India (SBI), were located at Mapranam, Kolazhy, and Shornur Road near Swaraj Round. The heist took place between 2.30 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Friday. Approximately Rs 65 lakh was stolen from the machines. SBI officials informed the police about the robbery.

Thrissur District Police Chief Ilango R inspected the site on Friday morning. "An alert has been issued to Palakkad, Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, and Salem, where similar robberies took place recently. We can't disclose more details right now," he told the media.

It is suspected that the robbery was carried out by a professional gang. CCTV footage showed four masked men in a car arriving at the three locations. The gang masked the cameras using spray paint at the ATMs during the robbery.

In response, police have tightened security at district borders and Paliyekkara toll plaza. All officers in the district have been instructed to heighten vigilance, and an alert has been issued to neighbouring districts.