Renewed PSNI Appeal Amid ATM Thefts

A senior PSNI detective has issued a fresh appeal to the public to help catch the criminals behind the recent spate of ATM thefts across Northern Ireland.

It comes in the wake of the seventh incident this year, when a stolen digger was used to rip a cash machine from the wall of a shop in Ahoghill, County Antrim yesterday morning, 01 April.

Detective Chief Inspector David Henderson joined Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts in making the appeal after another rural community was targeted.

"As in all of these ATM thefts, the actions of these criminals have not only caused immediate financial harm to the business that was targeted, but they have understandably caused fear in the community and impacted upon a vital service many local people rely on," DCI Henderson commented.

"In areas where ATMs have been stolen, local people may have to travel considerable distances to find an alternative way to withdraw money and the livelihoods of the business owners who have worked for years to build up their businesses are also jeopardised. There's also the loss of very expensive machinery, which cause delays in production, damage to the local economy and the likelihood of criminal finances being redirected back into funding further organised crime or terrorism. 

"The reckless actions of these criminals are despicable and I want to assure the public our dedicated team of detectives working across Northern Ireland specifically focusing on this crime is actively working with the banking industry and retailers. We are doing all we can to catch the people responsible – it is a key priority for us. 

"The key to stopping these crimes and getting ahead of these criminals is information from the public."

Members of the public, particularly those living in rural areas or close to ATMs, are asked to report any suspicious activity, including the use of machinery late at night. Anyone with information on the culprits is also urged to come forward.

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said the thefts pose a danger to the facilities available for rural communities. He added: "They are attacking local family-owned small businesses which are the backbone of the rural economy, providing an invaluable service to the local community. The gangs behind these attacks need to be caught and put in jail for a very long time."

The police have also called for anyone using or storing heavy plant machinery such as diggers or telehandlers on sites, or facilities near commercial premises to ensure that these machines are kept locked, secured and immobilised to prevent theft.

"Please, if you know anything about any of these thefts, or if you see any suspicious activity in your area pick up the phone and call us on the non emergency number 101," DCI Henderson continued.

"Also, if you see people or vehicles appearing to pay particular attention to certain premises, call police on 101. In an emergency or if you suspect a crime is in progress, dial 999."



(JG/CM)