Two ATM machines were robbed from banks in Meath overnight, as well as one apiece in Antrim and Armagh.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who owns or uses heavy plant machinery to take every possible step to secure and immobilise their vehicles following a spate of ATM robberies in recent months.
In the early hours of Friday morning, two ATM machines were pulled from the main wall of two banks on Main Street in Kells, while there were two ATMs stolen in Craigavon in Armagh and Crumlin in Antrim.
In total, there have been 16 ATMs robbed in the Republic of Ireland (five) and Northern Ireland (11) since the beginning of the year.
In light of the recent ATM robberies, Gardaí have issued an appeal to those who own or use heavy plant machinery to secure and immobilise the vehicles in an attempt to prevent further incidents from taking place.
“Please ensure they are stored securely and not left in an area that is easily accessible overnight,” a statement from An Garda Síochána read.
“If criminal groups cannot steal diggers and other similar machinery, they cannot tear out ATMs. This will also mean that these expensive pieces of machinery are not destroyed or burnt out after they are stolen.
“We also appeal to members of the public who see any unusual movement of plant machinery, commercial jeeps, or pickup trucks during night time hours to report such activity immediately to An Garda Síochána. Do not assume somebody else has already made the call. You can also contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or Crimestoppers on 1800 250 025.”
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