The Wayne Curry Sports and Learning Center in Landover was recently targeted by thieves who broke in and stole the center’s ATM machine one Thursday night. The investigation began on Friday morning, causing the closure of the center during that time. Regular patrons of the center only found out about the theft once the center opened, leading to surprise and concern among them.
The facility is an important part of the community, with its fields and tracks being popular among seniors and those looking for exercise. People who visit the center regularly were left wondering why the theft occurred, especially since the ATMs in the building don’t always have cash. Some speculated that the act was born out of desperation, with one patron commenting that stealing ATM machines from the Wayne Curry athletic facility was not a way to get rich.
Security cameras at the facility captured footage of the incident, providing potential aid to the investigation. Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz and Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey spoke about ATM thefts at a press conference on the same Thursday as the robbery. They discussed the Safe Access to Cash Act, which would treat ATM thefts like bank robberies and allow the FBI to investigate these crimes, often carried out by organized criminal groups.
Aziz emphasized that ATM theft is not a minor or victimless crime, as it can become increasingly violent and threatening to individuals. The proposed bill could result in fines and up to 20 years in prison for those involved in ATM thefts. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police are currently investigating the recent robbery at the Wayne Curry Sports and Learning Center.