An ATM machine in Craigavon has become the latest to be targeted in a series of attacks right across Northern Ireland in recent months.
The cash machine at Drumgor shops was forcibly removed with the use of a digger under the cover of darkness in the early hours of this morning (Friday).
DUP MLA Carla Lockhart said: “I just can’t understand in this day and age with technology how these machines cannot be tracked and those responsible apprehended! It really is ridiculous!
“A service used by the public completely destroyed! Anyone with any information please come forward to the PSNI.”
SDLP representative Thomas Larkham added: “This was no doubt a calculated attack and is not just another ATM theft but the ripping of a vital service out of the Drumgor area and no doubt has caused extensive damage to local family run businesses as well.
“It’s imperative the the PSNI do all they can to catch those responsible who have no consideration for their actions and ensure they are brought to justice.
“I am appealing to anyone who seen or heard anything to contact the PSNI on 101.”
UUP representative Kate Evans described it as “reckless behaviour by mindless criminals”.
“Someone has bound to have seen or heard something,” she added.
Craigavon Aontú Representative councillor Fergal Lennon said: “Unfortunately, yet again the business owners of Drumgor , Craigavon who provides an invaluable service to the local community, are today waking to the news that their business is smashed up and ATM stolen.
“A digger, believed to have been taken from a site a short distance away, was used to rip the machine from the wall at the side of the shop leaving substantial damage to the building.
“As in all of these ATM thefts, the actions of these criminals have not only caused financial harm to the business targeted, but they have understandably caused fear in the community and impacted upon a vital service many local people rely on.
“I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area and who may have witnessed the theft, or who saw the digger being driven to the scene, to contact PSNI.”
Sinn Fein represntative Michael Tallon added: “I visited Drumgor Shops this morning and met with the local community and the PSNI.
“On this occasion those responsible failed to retrieve the ATM however there is significant structural damage to the shop which is closed and the hairdressers beside it has also been unable to open.
“Those involved are anti-community and have caused significant disruption to the lives of locals.
“The police have preserved the scene and we hope those responsible will be caught.”
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