Two cash machines stolen from a supermarket in Antrim during the early hours of today (Friday) have been recovered by police.
Police received a report shortly after 3am that a digger had been used to steal an ATM unit housing two cash machines at the supermarket on Castle Way.
The digger used to steal them had been set on fire.
The ATMs were recovered half an hour later in the Birch Hill Road area, just a few miles away.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said the public is waking up to the news today that criminals have targeted a community where many rely on this vital resource.
“I want to reassure the community we are doing all we can to catch the perpetrators, however, we also need your help and I would appeal to anyone has any information which may help our investigation to please get in touch with our detectives.
“Our investigation is at an early stage and we are working to establish if this incident is linked to others of a similar nature,” he said.
And he is appealing to owners of heavy plant machinery to ensure they do everything possible to secure and immobilise equipment.
“If the diggers cannot be stolen, these attacks cannot take place.
“I would also appeal to the public to report anything suspicious to us.
“It is unusual to see a digger out on the roads in the evening or the middle of the night, so if you do see a digger on the road at these times and think something isn’t quite right, please contact us on the non-emergency number 101 and we can check this out.
“Also, if you see people or vehicles loitering in areas close to ATMs, particularly as some shops may be closed, or hear machinery late at night or in the early hours call us. If you think a crime is in progress please dial 999.
“In particular, if anyone has any information about this morning’s incident please call 101, and quote reference number 126 of 06/12/19,” he added.
Alternatively information can also be provided by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.