Police across Northern Ireland are asking the public to remain vigilant in the wake of the recent ATM thefts.
The warning comes ahead of the weekend – a prime time for the thefts.
Officers are asking the public to be alert to any activity that is unusual, out of the ordinary or suspicious, especially the movement of plant machinery late at night or early in the morning.
They say the key to stopping these crimes and getting ahead of the criminals is you, the public.
Detective Chief Inspector David Henderson said: “Recent attacks on ATMs are impacting our communities on multiple levels.
“The livelihoods of our local businesses are being jeopardised by the thefts and they are forced to face the additional costs involved in repairing their premises.
“The populations served by the ATMs, which are often rural, are being denied access to cash facilities. Farmers and construction firms are suffering the loss of expensive equipment and machinery, a loss from which some will struggle to recover.
“Our dedicated team of detectives continues to investigate the nine incidents to date and local police patrols are actively patrolling vulnerable and high risk locations however it is not possible for our officers to be everywhere at once and to predict where these criminal may target next. We need communities to help be our eyes and ears.
“If you see activity overnight in or around building sites, report it immediately. Owners of plant machinery, please secure and lock up your equipment, and please consider installing immobilisers – at least one digger theft has recently been prevented because of one. Business owners, please review your security.
“Consider installing alarm-linked motion sensor cameras if you don’t already have them.
“If you know who is responsible for these crimes, please search your conscience and contact us. These criminals are trying to rip the heart out of local communities and we need you to help us stop them.
“If you know anything at all, please pick up the phone and call us on the non-emergency number 101 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency or if you suspect a crime is in progress, dial 999.”
