Thieves have used a yellow digger to remove an ATM machine from a service station in Ballyclare.
The digger involved had been stolen a short time earlier from a nearby building site and then set on fire and destroyed following the incident.
Considerable damage has been caused to the building and the service station remains closed.
Detectives are appealing for information following the burglary on the Templepatrick Road in Ballyclare which happened during the early hours of this morning (Saturday, October 27) shortly before 2am
Disgusted to see Ballyclare Milestone Garage closed this morning after an ATM theft at 1.50am this morning. Digger stolen from nearby building site then set on fire on petrol station forecourt. Local Businesses suffering after a needless robbery. @LoveBallyclare @SouthAntrimUUP pic.twitter.com/gmOBaOoopT
— Cllr David Arthurs (@cllr_arthurs) October 27, 2018
Detective Sergeant Crothers is appealing for anyone who witnessed the burglary at the service station or the theft of the digger in the Templepatrick Road area to get in touch.
Anyone with any information can contact detectives in Antrim on 101 quoting reference 132 27/10/18.
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.
BREAKING NEWS: Message received just after 3am that the ATM at the Milestone on the Templepatrick Rd in Ballyclare appears to have been ripped from the wall. Fire brigade & police on the scene. Digger was still there too! Anyone else see or hear anything? pic.twitter.com/lLdWT2pwFm
— Love Ballyclare (@LoveBallyclare) October 27, 2018