Kaua'i police are investigating four cases involving stand-alone automated theft machines, including three in which thieves actually stole the cash-dispensing machine.

Roy Asher, assistant chief in charge of the Kaua'i Police Department's Investigative Services Bureau, said in one recent case, thieves took the ATM from a hotel lobby.

"They're just getting bolder," Asher said.

The problem, according to Asher, is the targeted ATMs are not secured or bolted down and are not monitored by outside surveillance equipment. The targeted ATMs are privately owned and not connected to major banks in Hawai'i, Asher said.

A crowbar was used in the first break-in incident in February in which no cash was stolen, said Asher.

Police have recovered three stolen ATM machines that were stolen. The most recent case was about two weeks ago, said Asher.

Honolulu police have set up a task force to investigate at least seven thefts from stand-alone ATMs since April 3.