Police attended a filling station in the Cullion Road area of Tempo following a report of damage to an ATM on the morning of Wednesday, March 15 – the third such incident of its kind to occur in Fermanagh in the past week.

The incident follows close behind two similar events which have seen ATMs targeted in a spate of attempted robberies across the area.

In relation to the latest incident yesterday morning, Wednesday, a PSNI spokesperson confirmed yesterday afternoon: "It was reported that the door of the ATM at a shop on Main Street had been forced open and a sum of cash was taken.

"Enquiries are at an early stage and detectives would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious, or who may have captured dashcam or other footage in the area, to contact them at 101, quoting reference number 246 of 15/03/23."

Detectives are also investigating the attempted theft of an ATM in Derrylin which occurred just one day earlier in the early hours of Tuesday morning (March 14), as well as an attempted ATM robbery at a filling station on the Dromore Road, Irvinestown last Thursday, March 9.

At the premises in Derrylin, the rear door to the ATM machine at a premises on Main Street was prised open and entry gained.

Speaking on Tuesday, a PSNI spokesperson said: "Enquiries are at an early stage; however, detectives are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dashcam or other footage in the area between 2am and 3am this morning.

"They can be contacted by calling 101, quoting reference 115 of 14/03/23."

As with the incident on Wednesday, the PSNI appealed for information, saying: "Information can be provided online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111."

In relation to the attempted ATM robbery at a filling station on the Dromore Road, Irvinestown last Thursday, March 9, a PSNI spokesperson said: "Officers found the door to the machine area forced.

"It’s believed two males were involved in the attempted robbery. One is described as tall, slim and wearing a hooded top and gloves. The second was slightly shorter than the first and wearing light-coloured clothing."

When asked by The Impartial Reporter if the three incidents are linked, a PSNI spokesperson said on Wednesday: "The investigation is at a very early stage."

Following the latest incidents targeting three ATMs in the county in the space of a week, a PSNI statement today (Friday, March 17) urged the public to be vigilant, warning that this year alone, there have been 12 attacks on ATMs across the country.

Detective Superintendent Neill said: “We are 100 per cent committed to putting a stop to this crime – a crime that strikes at the very heart of our rural communities.

“My ask is simple and two-fold: I’m asking members of the public to be vigilant, and I’m appealing to anyone with information, even if it seems insignificant, to contact us immediately.

“The 12 ATMs in question, and the recent attacks, have some elements in common. Almost all are within a rural or semi-rural location. Furthermore, most of the attacks have taken place in the early hours of the morning.

“While some of the attempts have been unsuccessful, all have resulted in some degree of criminal damage to the machine or surrounding property.”

Detective Superintendent Neill continued: “These targeted attacks don’t just have a severe financial impact, they rob the whole community of a service upon which they’re totally reliant.

“We have a dedicated team of detectives working across Northern Ireland specifically focusing on this crime, but we rely upon the public’s help, whose support could make all the difference.”

Reiterating the PSNI’s earlier calls for the public to contact the police, or to use the independent charity Crimestoppers to report anonymously, he added in regards to ATMs: “If you see or hear anything that doesn’t seem quite right – for example, if you see vehicles or people loitering in areas close to ATMs, when shops are closed, call us on 101.”

He continued: “Likewise, if you hear machinery late at night, or in the early hours, please pick up the phone. If you think a crime is in progress, please dial 999 immediately.”

 

 

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