Brazen ATM thefts may be the work of one gang
Retailers across the country may be double-checking their security arrangements following the theft of another ATM machine in a brazen dawn raid carried out using a stolen digger. A spate of robberies in recent months is thought by PSNI to be the work of the same gang.
Print26 March 2019
The PSNI has said it believes the same criminal gang may be responsible for the theft of several ATM machines from forecourts in recent months. Another theft in County Fermanagh over the weekend left a Spar store in ruins, with a stolen digger used to smash through the outer wall and drag the ATM out, before placing it on a trailer and leaving the area.
It is the sixth such theft in Northern Ireland this year, with police saying they believe the ATM may have contained thousands of pounds. The PSNI Organised Crime Branch has set up a specialist team of detectives to try to catch the perpetrators.
The owner of the latest business to be targeted was open again by Sunday afternoon. However, Retail NI, which represents small retailers, has warned that these thefts could result in businesses removing ATM machines from their premises.
“Unless these criminal gangs are caught, many rural areas of Northern Ireland could be ATM free zones which will have a negative impact upon consumers and rural communities,” said its chief executive, Glyn Roberts.
Related Articles
M&S launches ‘Farm to Foodhall’ campaign with chef Mark Moriarty →
Sweet disposition →
Tesco opens new Limerick store, creates 33 jobs →
Fans 0
Followers