Abbeycentre ATM Robbery Fails

Police are appealing for information after the robbery of a security van crew in a busy Co Antrim shopping centre yesterday afternoon.

G4 Securicor personnel were delivering a large quantity of money to one of the ATM cash machines in Newtownabbey's Abbey Centre at around 2.50pm on Thursday when one of the helmeted guards carrying a cash box was confronted by two men.

They made off with a box after assaulting the Mallusk-based officer, which - according to eyewitnesses - exploded, spilling dye inside the shopping mall.

Police have now confirmed that the attack took place and while no cash was actually taken, they are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the botched robbery attempt.

"The cash box taken was empty," explained a spokeswoman, who also described the men responsible.

"The first male is described as being of heavy build with short dark hair and glasses. He was wearing a white t-shirt and dark trousers.

"The second male is described as having short, shaved brown hair. He was wearing light coloured trousers and a navy jumper with blue and white stripes," she said, noting that anyone who was in the area and witnessed any suspicious activity should contact police on 0845 600 8000.

"Alternatively information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111," she said.

In addition, as the cash boxes are equipped with a special dye which will indelibly stain all surfaces, as well as clothing and human skin - and witnesses said there was an "oil-like" substance spilled - it is likely the pair will be marked with the reddish dye for some considerable time.

(BMcC/JM)