Digger used in another ATM theft in Dungannon

The scene of the latest ATM theft in Dungannon, Co Tyrone. Credit: UTV

A digger has been used to rip yet another ATM from the wall of a filling station in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, before being set alight.

A spate of incidents involving the theft of cash machines have been reported across Northern Ireland in recent months.

The latest theft happened at the filling station on the Ballygawley Road at about 4.15am on Sunday.

Substantial damage has been caused to the building as a result.

Police believe the digger used in the raid was stolen from a nearby business.

Significant damage was caused by a digger in the bid to rip the ATM from the wall. Credit: UTV

Retail NI CEO Glyn Roberts warned that retailers may be forced to rethink providing ATM services, given the frequency of attacks on their buildings and the extensive damage caused.

“With five ATM robberies in the past few months, these attacks are now a major problem for local retailers,” he said.

“The PSNI need to redouble their efforts to put the criminal gangs behind these attacks in front of the courts.”

He added: “With so many bank branch closures in rural towns and villages in recent years, our members’ ATMs provide an invaluable service to their local communities.

“There is a real danger our members could start to remove these ATMs if these attacks continue, leaving many rural areas without the ability to access cash.”

PSNI Detective Inspector Trevor Stevenson said: “I am appealing to anyone who was in the area between 4am and 4.15am and saw what happened, or who has information which could assist our investigation, to call us.

“In particular, I am appealing to anyone who saw a Jeep-type vehicle towing a trailer in the Gortlenaghan Road/Ballygawley Road areas around these times to get in touch with detectives in Omagh CID by calling 101.”