Police have released CCTV footage of a digger ripping an ATM from a shop, the latest in a string of thefts in Northern Ireland and across the border in which excavators are used to remove the machines.
The footage shows the excavator, stolen from a nearby site, repeatedly smashing into the brick wall of a Londonderry store to free the ATM.
The safe is then lifted out of the rubble and forced into a black van that is driven away by the masked offenders.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said the early morning incident on Sunday (local time) was the eighth ATM theft of its kind this year.
"If you hear machinery late at night or in the early hours please let us know," Detective Inspector Thornton said.
"No matter how insignificant you think it is, call us and we will investigate. It could be key to catching the criminals responsible."
Organised crime taskforce set up
The Police Service of Northern Ireland last month set up an organised crime taskforce to investigate the spate of ATM thefts.
The attacks have happened mostly in rural areas and follow the same pattern — an excavator stolen from nearby is used to carve out the ATM. Often the excavator is set alight.
Detective Inspector Thornton said ATM thefts were not a victimless crime and increased the likelihood of criminal finances being redirected back into funding further organised crime, or terrorism.
"Local people who rely upon these banking facilities also suffer, as they may have to travel considerable distances to find an alternative banking arrangements, and the livelihoods of the business owners who have worked for years to build up their businesses is also jeopardised," he said.
