12/03/2019
PSNI Launch ATM Theft Investigation Team
The PSNI has allocated a team of detectives to investigate ATM thefts across Northern Ireland, after seven attacks in the last four months.
Thieves used a digger to remove a built in cash machine from a filling station in Dungannon on Sunday 10 March.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said attacks on ATMs cannot be seen as a "victimless crime", given the damage caused to businesses, local communities and their economies.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said: "Recently there has been an upsurge in the number of ATM machines ripped from the walls of commercial premises using plant machinery which, more often than not, has been stolen from a nearby farm or building site and then destroyed after each incident. The attacks tend to occur more frequently, but not exclusively, in rural areas, and are a serious cause for concern for us all.
"The idea that ATM thefts are a victimless crime should be completely discounted as these attacks cause untold loss and disruption to individuals, businesses and whole communities, in terms of the loss of very expensive machinery, delays in production, damage to the local economy and the likelihood of criminal finances being redirected back into funding further organised crime or terrorism. Local people who rely upon these banking facilities also suffer as they may have to travel considerable distances to find an alternative banking arrangements and the livelihoods of the business owners who have worked for years to build up their businesses is also jeopardised.
"We have seen seven attacks in the last four months. That is seven communities suffering due to the greed of unscrupulous criminals. We would like to stop them and would ask you to help."
Officers have urged anyone who owns machinery to take the following steps to prevent thefts:
• Secure/immobilise stored vehicles and if practical move machinery from fields when not in use, especially if near a road.
• Never leave keys in machinery and ensure there are storage areas for all machinery left on site overnight.
• Consider fitting tracking devices to valuable vehicles and deter would be thieves by displaying security signs on site to highlight measures in place such as CCTV.
• Report any suspicious activity to police.
DI Thornton said the team are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry in relation to recent attacks, and would appeal to anyone with information that may assist investigations to contact detectives on 101.
Details can also be passed Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 55 111.
(JG/CM)
Thieves used a digger to remove a built in cash machine from a filling station in Dungannon on Sunday 10 March.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said attacks on ATMs cannot be seen as a "victimless crime", given the damage caused to businesses, local communities and their economies.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said: "Recently there has been an upsurge in the number of ATM machines ripped from the walls of commercial premises using plant machinery which, more often than not, has been stolen from a nearby farm or building site and then destroyed after each incident. The attacks tend to occur more frequently, but not exclusively, in rural areas, and are a serious cause for concern for us all.
"The idea that ATM thefts are a victimless crime should be completely discounted as these attacks cause untold loss and disruption to individuals, businesses and whole communities, in terms of the loss of very expensive machinery, delays in production, damage to the local economy and the likelihood of criminal finances being redirected back into funding further organised crime or terrorism. Local people who rely upon these banking facilities also suffer as they may have to travel considerable distances to find an alternative banking arrangements and the livelihoods of the business owners who have worked for years to build up their businesses is also jeopardised.
"We have seen seven attacks in the last four months. That is seven communities suffering due to the greed of unscrupulous criminals. We would like to stop them and would ask you to help."
Officers have urged anyone who owns machinery to take the following steps to prevent thefts:
• Secure/immobilise stored vehicles and if practical move machinery from fields when not in use, especially if near a road.
• Never leave keys in machinery and ensure there are storage areas for all machinery left on site overnight.
• Consider fitting tracking devices to valuable vehicles and deter would be thieves by displaying security signs on site to highlight measures in place such as CCTV.
• Report any suspicious activity to police.
DI Thornton said the team are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry in relation to recent attacks, and would appeal to anyone with information that may assist investigations to contact detectives on 101.
Details can also be passed Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 55 111.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 December 2007
Royal Mail NI Urges Careful Addressing
Royal Mail expects to deliver more than two billion items over the festive period, with 50 million of these in Northern Ireland, but estimates 400 million cards and letters will not be able to be read by its automated sorting machinery either because the postcode has not been included, the item has been poorly addressed or the handwriting style is
Royal Mail NI Urges Careful Addressing
Royal Mail expects to deliver more than two billion items over the festive period, with 50 million of these in Northern Ireland, but estimates 400 million cards and letters will not be able to be read by its automated sorting machinery either because the postcode has not been included, the item has been poorly addressed or the handwriting style is
11 December 2019
Omagh Man Arrested Over ATM Thefts
Detectives investigating a series of ATM thefts in Co Tyrone have arrested a man in Omagh. The 26 year-old is being held on suspicion of theft and attempted theft offences in relation to incidents in the Omagh, Fintona and Irvinestown areas between December 2018 and March 2019.
Omagh Man Arrested Over ATM Thefts
Detectives investigating a series of ATM thefts in Co Tyrone have arrested a man in Omagh. The 26 year-old is being held on suspicion of theft and attempted theft offences in relation to incidents in the Omagh, Fintona and Irvinestown areas between December 2018 and March 2019.
16 May 2019
15 Arrests Made In ATM Theft Probe
An investigation into the recent spate of ATM thefts in Northern Ireland has seen 15 people arrested, 41 searches carried out and over £15,000 recovered, according to police.
15 Arrests Made In ATM Theft Probe
An investigation into the recent spate of ATM thefts in Northern Ireland has seen 15 people arrested, 41 searches carried out and over £15,000 recovered, according to police.
01 April 2019
ATM Stolen From Shop In Antrim Village
Police are calling for businesses to secure their equipment and plant machinery after a stolen digger was used to rip an ATM from a shop in Ahoghill, County Antrim. Reports emerged at around 3.25am this morning, Monday 01 April, that a digger was on fire outside a shop on Brook Street in the village, after the ATM had been ripped from the building.
ATM Stolen From Shop In Antrim Village
Police are calling for businesses to secure their equipment and plant machinery after a stolen digger was used to rip an ATM from a shop in Ahoghill, County Antrim. Reports emerged at around 3.25am this morning, Monday 01 April, that a digger was on fire outside a shop on Brook Street in the village, after the ATM had been ripped from the building.
13 January 2017
Man And Woman Shot In West Belfast
A man and woman, aged in their 50s, have been shot in the legs in west Belfast. The attack happened at a house in Norglen Parade shortly after 6.15pm on Thursday, 12 January. The victims, understood to be husband and wife, were taken to hospital to be treated, however their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
Man And Woman Shot In West Belfast
A man and woman, aged in their 50s, have been shot in the legs in west Belfast. The attack happened at a house in Norglen Parade shortly after 6.15pm on Thursday, 12 January. The victims, understood to be husband and wife, were taken to hospital to be treated, however their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.