Police arrest two people in latest ATM theft

Two persons have been arrested following the theft of an ATM at Nutts Corner in the early hours of Tuesday 30th April.

Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said: “Police received a report that a digger was being used to remove an ATM from a service station on the Tully Road at around 3.30am this morning.

“We immediately directed considerable policing resources to the area with two arrests made and the stolen ATM recovered. Both people are currently in custody and will be questioned on suspicion of theft and a number of other offences.

“Tully Road remains closed and diversions are in place whilst the scene is examined further. I would ask anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the Nutts Corner area overnight to contact detectives on 101. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

Commenting on the robbery on a Retail NI member and arrests made this morning, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “This is welcome news that at long last we have arrests arising from these robberies. Credit is due to the PSNI officers who made the arrests.

“While we have made progress, yet another independent retailer has to deal with the aftermath of a seriously damaged store. I know from talking to the numerous Retail NI members who have been victims of these criminal gangs, that there is a huge personal impact on them and their staff.

“Retail NI has met with the Department of Finance in recent days to discuss the impacted retailers being able to access the Rates Hardship fund. This is the very least that needs to happen to assist these small businesses getting back on their feet again.

“I am getting extremely concerned at reports from members with ATMs, who have not even been attacked, who are now seeing their insurance premiums dramatically increasing.

“This adds another burden on an already difficult situation.”