Police have recovered a cash machine which was stolen from a shop in the Market Square area of Bushmills in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday 16 April).
The ATM is now being examined by police. This is the ninth theft.
Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said he understands the concern of the public and the business community.
“As in all of these ATM thefts, the actions of these criminals have not only caused immediate financial harm to the business that was targeted, but they have caused devastation to the local community,” he said.
And police have moved to reassure the public that they are tackling the matter.
“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,” he said.
Police have increased the amount of resources dedicated to tackle this issue and patrols are actively patrolling vulnerable and high risk locations.
And police are continuing to work with partners in banking and retail 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,” added Detective Chief Inspector McCubbin.
Police are appealing to anyone who has any information about today’s ATM theft in Bushmills to speak to police.
“Did you see a digger on a low loader being towed by a tractor on the roads in the area? Did you witness the attack just before 3.30am this morning? A telehandler was also used in the commission of this crime and I believe this was used to transport the ATM from the Diamond area of Bushmills,” he added.
Police are appealing for witnesses.
“We would also like to speak with anyone who saw or heard anything in the area of the Ballyhome Road early this morning,” he added.
Please contact detectives at Coleraine CID on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 106 16/04/19.
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.
#WATCH There’s been another ATM robbery, with a digger again used to rip a cash machine out of a shop wall
The incident at Bushmills in #Antrim is the latest in a series of raids. @PaulQuinnNews reports: pic.twitter.com/mAReUxj82A
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) April 16, 2019