Police believe a bulldozer was used in an attempt to rip an ATM machine from a petrol station on the Belfast Road in Ballynahinch in the early hours of this morning.
In a separate incident, reported to police just before 8am, a member of staff arrived at their workplace on the Saintfield Road in Belfast to discover an ATM machine had been stolen.
Police say it is unclear if these incidents are linked.
Detectives investigating the thefts are appealing for witnesses and information.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said police investigations into both of these incidents are at a very early stage, and it is unclear at this time if they are linked.
“In the first report this morning (Monday 18 November) made to police at 5:28am, it was reported a bulldozer was being used in an attempt to rip an ATM machine from the wall of a petrol station on the Belfast Road, Ballynahinch. A silver-coloured Volkswagen Passat car with a trailer was also reported at the scene,” he said.
He said the suspects were reported to have fled the scene, empty handed, but substantial damage was caused to the roof the forecourt and the shop.
“At approximately 6:55am we received a report of a car, matching the description of the Passat reported at the scene, on fire in the Queens Park area of Saintfield.
“I want to appeal to anyone who was travelling on the Belfast Road this morning, between 5:15am and 5:30am, and who saw a Silver Passat, or who believes they saw this car travelling towards Saintfield between 5:30am and 7am to get in touch with us.
“Did you capture footage of this vehicle on your dash cam? If you saw any suspicious activity, including vehicles or persons, in these areas this morning please, pick up the phone and tell us what you know,” he said.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton has called this ‘a brazen and despicable attack’ by those involved. And he said the incident has caused serious disruption to the business affected and to its customers.
“This attack has also caused widespread disruption to people using the Belfast Road, which remains closed as we continue with our enquiries.
“In a separate incident, reported to us around 7:55am today, a member of staff arrived at their workplace on Saintfield Road in Belfast to discover entry had been forced to the premises and an ATM machine that had been taken.
“We believe this occurred sometime between Friday evening (15 November) and the time it was reported to us. I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in this area to please contact us,” he added.
“ATM theft and attempted theft is not a victimless crime and these attacks cause untold loss and disruption to people and businesses, many of whom depend on their local ATM provision for access to cash. I want to take this opportunity to urge people to continue to be vigilant, and report any suspicious activity they see in their area.
“If your suspicions are aroused phone police immediately. Time is of the essence in catching these criminals. No matter how insignificant you think it is, your phone call to us could be key to catching the criminals responsible,” he added.
Anyone with information about either of these incidents is urged to call 101, quoting reference numbers 181 of 18/11/19 or 252 of 18/11/19.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Detectives appeal for information on attacks on ATMs in Belfast and Ballynahinch.
Posted by Police Service of Northern Ireland on Monday, 18 November 2019