The ATM was stolen on Friday morning.
Police in Antrim have recovered an ATM that was stolen in Antrim on Friday morning.
The PSNI said that they received a call shortly after 3am that a digger had been used to steal two cash machines from a supermarket and that the digger was on fire.
In a statement issued on Friday morning, the PSNI also warned people who own heavy plant machinery to ensure that they do whatever they can to immobilise their equipment, saying that if diggers can’t be stolen, these attacks can’t take place.
Detective Richard Thompson said: “We received a report shortly after 3am that a digger had ben used to steal an ATM unit housing two cash machines at a supermarket on Castle Way in the town, and the digger was on fire.
“Officers responded and, approximately half an hour later, they successfully recovered the ATM unit in the Birch Hill Road area, just a few miles away.
“The public is waking up to the news today that criminals have targeted a community where many rely on this vital resource, and I understand the concern of the public and the business itself.
“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 who 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.
“I want to take this opportunity to appeal 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 pale.
“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.
“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.
“In particular, if anyone has any information about this morning’s incident please call 101, and quote reference number 126 of 06/12/19.”
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