A second cash machine has been gouged out with a digger within two days – this time at a filling station at Glenavy Road in Moira.
Detectives are investigating a link between this and yesterday’s incident at ASDA at Junction One.
Shortly after 3:05am, it was reported that a number of men, using a digger, removed an ATM machine.
The digger, which is believed to have been taken from a nearby location, was set on fire following the incident.
The roof of the garage was also set alight, and firefighters from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the blaze. Both the digger and the roof of the garage were extensively damaged.
Detective Constable Martin said enquiries are continuing and they are investigating a possible link between this incident and an ATM theft from the Ballymena Road, Antrim on Friday.
“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious in the area to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 170 2/2/19. 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,” added Detective Constable Martin.
Retail NI has said there is a danger cash machines could be removed if the attacks continue.
Retail NI Condemn Latest ATM Robbery pic.twitter.com/5Eb1JUVS24
— RetailNI (@retail_ni) February 2, 2019