Man Arrested in Riverside for Alleged Theft of 29 Southern California ATMs – Orange County Register

A Riverside dweller suspected of orchestrating the theft of numerous ATMs across Southern California has been apprehended, as reported by authorities. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department stated that Paul Kolacki, aged 34, was arrested on June 6 after authorities identified his vehicle and license plate through video surveillance. It is suspected that Kolacki stole at least 29 ATMs over the span of several months. His charges include six counts of burglary, four counts of grand theft, and six counts of vandalism.

In one incident on January 15, two individuals utilized a tow strap connected to a Ford Ranger truck to steal an ATM from a business located on Wilkerson Avenue in Perris. The owner of the business received a notification regarding the burglary in progress and went to the scene. He witnessed the suspects fleeing with the ATM loaded onto the back of their truck.

In total, nine similar ATM burglaries occurred in various cities within Riverside County, such as Murrieta, Menifee, Perris, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley, and Norco. In addition, it is believed that the suspects were connected to approximately 20 other ATM burglaries across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. The modus operandi involved using a tow strap to drag the ATMs away from the targeted businesses before securing them onto the back of a Ford truck.

The arrest led to the recovery of over $6,000 in stolen funds from the ATMs, according to the Sheriff’s Department. While no specifics were provided about the other suspect involved, law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with additional information to contact Riverside Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Ramirez at 951-776-1099 or the Perris Station at 951-210-1000.