East Ridge “smash and grab” suspects also wanted in North Ga.

Calhoun, Ga. (WDEF) — The suspects accused of Sunday’s attempted ATM robbery in East Ridge are also wanted in three other cases, according to police.

Police suspect these same individuals were involved in similar attempted robbery cases in Whitfield County, Ringgold and at North Georgia National Bank in Calhoun, Georgia.

Around 4:30 Sunday morning, a Calhoun Police officer noticed a suspicious white van lingering at the North Georgia National Bank’s ATM. When police turned into the parking lot, the van took off — eventually evading authorities.

Police believe this same group of individuals attempted to rob ATMs in East Ridge, Ringgold and Whitfield County.

“We’ve seen this in the past where individuals will either try to anchor to an ATM and try to pull it up or try to ram it with a vehicle, as in this case,” Calhoun Police Captain Tony Pyle said.

In East Ridge, the suspects slammed their allegedly stolen van into the glass front of the Shell gas station on Ringgold Road. This happened just hours before police made contact in Calhoun.

“It’s not normal,” East Ridge Assistant Police Chief Stan Allen said. “I mean, it’s happened before but, it’s the first one we’ve had here in quite a while.”

The suspects drove away from East Ridge and Calhoun unsuccessful. But one of the bank workers estimates a minimum of $10,000 in damage to the outdoor machine.

“As you can imagine, these things are very expensive, and when you’re ramming it with a van or attempting to pull it up, it’s that extensive damage to the one here in Calhoun, and it’s my understanding to the others as well,” said Pyle.

Police say there are ways to deter these kinds of attempted robberies.

“I would think for local businesses, if they just keep the area well lit, that would help some, I mean criminals loathe being seen or in well lit areas and that sort of thing,” Pyle said.

Police need your help finding these suspects, so if you have any information about any of these, contact your local authorities.