Many rural communities could lose access to cash, following the recent space of ATM thefts across Northern Ireland.
And the criminals are attacking family-owned small businesses which are the backbone of the rural economy.
The comments come as a senior PSNI detective today issued a fresh appeal to the public to help catch the criminals behind the wave of thefts across Northern Ireland.
There have been seven attacks on cash machines this year.
Two machines have been removed, including one on February 1 at a business at Ballymena Road in Antrim.
There were also a further two ATM attacks here last year since the spate started in October 2018.
Detective Chief Inspector David Henderson joined Retail NI Chief Executive Glynn Roberts in making his appeal in the wake of the seventh ATM theft this year, which occurred in Ahoghill in the early hours of this morning.
“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 understandably caused fear in the community and impacted upon a vital service many local people rely on,’’ he said.
And he said in areas where ATMs have been stolen, people may have to travel considerable distances to find an alternative way to withdraw money. He also said the livelihoods of the business owners who have worked for years to build up their businesses is also jeopardised.
“There’s also the loss of very expensive machinery, which causes delays in production, damage to the local economy and the likelihood of criminal finances being redirected back into funding further organised crime or terrorism,” he said.
Detective Chief Inspector David Henderson said the reckless actions of these criminals are despicable.
“I want to assure the public our dedicated team of detectives working across Northern Ireland specifically focusing on this crime is actively working with the banking industry and retailers.
“We are doing all we can to catch the people responsible – it is a key priority for us.
“The key to stopping these crimes and getting ahead of these criminals is information from the public,” he said.
He said people must report anything suspicious, including seeing any unusual activity or people in areas close to ATMs.
“For example, if you hear machinery late at night or in the early hours please let us know. If you know who the culprits are let us know also,” he added.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said there is a real danger many rural communities will not have local access to cash.
“They are attacking local family-owned small businesses which are the backbone of the rural economy, providing an invaluable service to the local community,” he added.
“The gangs behind these attacks need to be caught and put in jail for a very long time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Henderson is encouraging those either using or storing heavy plant machinery such as diggers or telehandlers on sites, or facilities near commercial premises to ensure that these machines are kept locked, secured and immobilised to prevent theft.
“Please, if you know anything about any of these thefts, or if you see any suspicious activity in your area pick up the phone and call us on the non emergency number 101.
“Also, if you see people or vehicles appearing to pay particular attention to certain premises, call police on 101. In an emergency or if you suspect a crime is in progress, dial 999,” he added.
ATM attack in Ballyclare last October.
The Danske Bank in Mallusk where thieves gouged out the ATM.