17/04/2019

ATM Stolen From Bushmills Recovered

An ATM ripped from the wall of a building in the County Antrim village of Bushmills has been recovered on a nearby rural road.

It had been stolen in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 16 April, and was recovered later that day. A digger and tractor were used to remove the cash machine from the wall and were found set alight in Market Square shortly before 3.30am.

As in all of the recent ATM thefts, with this incident marking the ninth this year, the actions of the criminals have caused immediate financial harm to the business targeted as well as devastation to the local community.

Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said: "I want to reassure the public that we continue to take this matter extremely seriously. I understand the fear that these attacks are causing, and the damage that is left in the wake of each theft. We are doing all we can to catch the people responsible and stop these attacks. 

"Last month we increased the amount of resources dedicated to tackle this issue and local police patrols are actively patrolling vulnerable and high risk locations. We also continue to work with partners in the banking and retail sectors regarding crime prevention. 

"I want to thank the public who continue to be our eyes and ears, reporting anything suspicious to Police. I also know that many owners of plant machinery have been taking on board our advice to secure and lock up equipment and install immobilisers and this has helped to prevent theft. I would ask for the public to continue supporting us in our efforts to stop these terrible crimes."

Police have appealed to anyone with information on the latest theft to come forward. Members of the public are urged to consider if they saw a digger on a low loader being towed by a tractor in the area. Anyone who saw or heard anything in the area of the Ballyhome Road early on Tuesday morning is asked to contact detectives at Coleraine CID on 101 quoting reference 106 16/04/19. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.



(JG/CM)

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