Hamilton police are investigating a rash of early morning break and enters into businesses in the city.

Police say the suspects are gaining entry into stores by driving vehicles through the front entrances and then steal the ATMs.

The most recent incident happened on Tuesday at Spring Grill Restaurant on Upper James St. in Hamilton.

Three robbers used a stolen SUV to smash through the front window of the restaurant and knock over the ATM.

Surveillance video of the robbery shows the SUV reverse into the glass railings surrounding the outdoor patio and then proceed to make several attempts at knocking down the front door by repeatedly backing into the building.

Once they gain access to the front area, the thieves appear to load the ATM into the trunk of the SUV before fleeing the scene.

Hamilton police are urging business to guard themselves against “smash-and-grab thefts” by moving ATMs away from windows and doors. “Ensure the machines are in view of CCTV and that they are affixed by a chain or bolted to the floor. Businesses should ensure the machines are emptied on a regular basis to limit the amount of cash inside,” said Hamilton police.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Emidio Evangelista at 905-546-2991 or Detective Phil Hedgcock at 905-981-6973.