Police appeal for public's help in catching criminals behind ATM thefts

By Q Radio News

Paramilitaries may be profiting from a spate of ATM thefts in Northern Ireland, a senior detective has warned.

Detective Chief Inspector David Henderson said while there was no evidence of direct paramilitary involvement in the seven ATM robberies since the start of the year, he suggested the groups may be siphoning off some of the cash taken.

Mr Henderson said police believe "several" criminal gangs have been responsible for the attacks. In the most recent incident, in the early hours on Monday, thieves stole a digger from a nearby construction site to rip an ATM from a shop in Brook Street, in Ahoghill, Co Antrim.

They used a specially adapted vehicle, with the roof cut off to enable the stolen ATM to be lowered in and driven away.

"It's a live investigation but what I can said is we are actively looking at it being several gangs involved in these crimes," said Mr Henderson.

"We have no evidence that paramilitaries are involved, but all crime in Northern Ireland usually goes back to paramilitaries, whether committed by them or whether they tax the perpetrators of the crime and take some the criminal assets from them."

A number of ATMs have also been targeted in the Irish Republic in recent months. Mr Henderson said it was possible the incidents south of the border were linked to those in Northern Ireland.

He said catching the perpetrators was a "key priority".

“Once again the public and business community have today learned of another ATM theft; of another business targeted by these brazen thieves who have struck at the heart of a rural 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 understandably caused fear in the community and impacted upon a vital service many local people rely on. 

“In areas where ATMs have been stolen, local people may have to travel considerable distances to find an alternative way to withdraw money and 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 cause delays in production, damage to the local economy and the likelihood of criminal finances being redirected back into funding further organised crime or terrorism. 

“The reckless actions of these criminals are despicable and I want to assure the public our dedicated team of detectives working across Northern Ireland specifically focussing 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. DCI Henderson has been speaking to Q Radio:

DCI David Henderson is appealing to the public for help in catching those carrying out ATM thefts across NI. He believes a number of different gangs may be involved in the incidents. pic.twitter.com/NhmwSeNLKZ

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 1, 2019

The criminals used a stolen digger to rip it from the wall of a shop in Brook street in Ahoghill early this morning, before the digger was set on fire.

It's the latest in a litany of similar attacks across Northern Ireland since the start of the year. 

Thieves are believed to have used a people carrier with a hole cut in its roof to remove an ATM machine from a shop in Ahoghill, County Antrim. pic.twitter.com/ewRWYlXHCi

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 1 April 2019

The owner of the Nisa store Walter Millar has been speaking to Q Radio's Bob Huggins...

(Walter Millar owner of the local NISA store on Brook Street, Ahoghill which was targeted in an early morning ATM theft)

Police say they were alerted to the theft, after receiving a report that a digger was on fire in the area. 

All entrances into the diamond are closed off by the PSNI with Glebe Road also closed.

It's the latest in a string of attacks involving stolen plant machinery, which has prompted the PSNI to set up a special team to investigate. 

Alderman Stewart McDonald told Q Radio, the area could be closed for most of the day. 

He has described it as a 'Shameful attack on local business' adding it was 'absolute madness'. 

Detective Inspector Thornton urged businesses to regularly review their crime prevention measures to minimise their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

“I encourage 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.

“More generally, I would also encourage people who live close to businesses like filling stations and local shops to contact police immediately if they see any unusual activity or people in the area. For example, if you hear machinery late at night or in the early hours please let us know. 

“Report any power outages close to commercial premises during the hours of darkness via 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."