There have been well over a dozen ATM thefts this year.

The PSNI have issued an update on their efforts to tackle rampant incidents of ATMs being stolen with diggers. Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Evans said: "ATM crime is still a priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Since the start of the year there have been 12 incidents resulting in the theft of 15 machines however we have been absolutely robust  in our response, and in recent months we have carried out 52 proactive searches, made 19 arrests and recovered over £56,000 in cash." In total, five men have been charged in relation to thefts in Fintona, Antrim and Nutt’s Corner. Two other men have also been charged with a range of other offences. Evans further confirmed that the PSNI's Local Policing Team also continue to conduct targeted patrols, day and night, in areas which could be vulnerable to an attack. He also warned those who own heavy machinery to be especially diligent in securing vehicles that could be used to steal ATMs, saying: "I would also appeal to anyone who owns or uses heavy plant machinery - please take every possible step to secure and immobilise your machinery. If criminals cannot steal diggers and other similar machinery, they cannot tear out ATMs." There have also been ATM thefts in the Republic of Ireland - including two incidents in Kells, Meath, last month. Another was stolen from a wall in Castleblaney, Monaghan in April 2019.