The arrival of the manager of the Condong Bowling Club foiled bandits who attempted to break open or steal an ATM at the club in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police are appealing for information to identify the three males who broke into the club, north-east of Murwillumbah.
About 4.10am (Sunday 21 December 2014) police were called after a security alarm was activated.
The manager was also notified of the alarm and, arriving before police, he saw three men in dark clothes inside the premises.
On being disturbed, the men escaped the club empty-handed in a silver sedan heading towards Murwillumbah.
An inspection of the club by police revealed an ATM had been damaged either by power tools or welding equipment.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
