Two ATMs stolen in Kells overnight

 

Gardai are investigating an incident where two ATMs were stolen having been ripped from the walks of two banks in Kells in the early hours of this morning.

Gardaí were alerted to an incident that occurred this morning Friday, April 19 at around 4.30am and immediately went to the scene on John Street in the Meath town.
There they found two ATM's had been pulled from the main wall of two banks branches in the town, with significant damage done to both premises in the process.

Its understood the ATM's were subsequently driven away on the back of a dark coloured crewcab jeep.

The jeep left in the direction of the Maudlin Road, towards Carlanstown.
Gardaí are now appealing for any information in relation to this incident, and any persons who can assist with this investigation to contact Kells Garda Station on 046 - 9280820, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

 

 

Along with the theft of an ATM from a store on Market Square in Bushmills, Co Antrim at the weekend, this morning's thefts brings into double figures the number of incidents both sides of the border since the start of the year.

Since January there were ATM thefts in Moira, Co Down; Antrim town where two machines were taken; Omagh and Dungannon in Co Tyrone; Newtownabbey in Co Antrim; Irvinestown in Co Fermanagh; Ahoghill, Co Antrim, Dungiven, Co Derry and now Bushmills.

Towns in the South of but close to the the Border targetted include Kingscourt, Co Cavan; and Ballybay and Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.

There were no recorded incidents in the five years between 2012 and 2017, however there were attempted robberies of the same type reported in Co. Wicklow in May 2011, and in Co. Carlow in 2010.

The Minister for Justice Charles Flanagan has acknowledged the impact that these crimes are having on both businesses and communities.

Its understood there is already strong ongoing co-operation between the Gardaí and the PSNI, and both An Garda Síochána and the PSNI are conducting investigations into the robberies.

“I can assure the Deputies that Gardaí continue to monitor all new and emerging crime trends in the State to ensure all resources are allocated in an effective manner and that the best possible police service is provided to the public,” Minister Flanagan said recently.