Two men who tried to break into a series of automated tellers in West Kootenay last year have each been jailed for two years and ordered to pay $90,000 restitution.
Darrin Christopher Hoffman, 39, and Julian Alexander Hoekstra, 37, were caught on surveillance video attempting to steal money from the ATMs at Heritage Credit Union in Slocan Park, Kootenay Savings in South Slocan, and the airport in Castlegar, as well as the night deposit box at Waneta Plaza in Trail.
An undisclosed amount of money was taken from the ATM at the airport, but the thieves were unsuccessful in the other three instances, although they caused damage.
The attempted robberies took place over four days in September late at night and early in the morning.
Hoekstra was arrested December 17 in Surrey, while Hoffman was picked up on Boxing Day in Osoyoos. Each was charged with three counts of break and enter.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Dan Seibel thanked the public for phoning in tips that led to the arrests.
“This is an excellent example of the community and police working together to solve crime,” he said in a release. “I would also like to give a pat on the back to the RCMP officers who completed a solid and thorough investigation as well as a note of appreciation to the media for their assistance.”