Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland are asking members of the public to be vigilant following a number of thefts from ATMs across the country.
This year alone, there have been 12 attacks on ATMs right across Northern Ireland.
Police say that the thefts have some things in common including their locations and the times of the incidents.
Read more: PSNI probe attempted ATM theft in Co Fermanagh
To date there have been three thefts or attempted thefts each in Co Antrim, Co Derry and Co Fermanagh, two thefts or attempted thefts in Co Armagh and one in Co Tyrone.
Detective Superintendent Neill said: “We are 100% committed to putting a stop to this crime; a crime that strikes at the very heart of our rural communities.
"And 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."
The 12 attacks so far these year were in:
Feeny Road, Dungiven: February 7 – burglary
Mussenden Road, Articlave: February 15 – burglary
Ballygawley Road, Cabragh: February 24 – burglary
Dungannon Road, Portadown: March 3 - burglary
Cushendall Road, Ballymena: March 5 – attempted burglary
Roguery Road, Toome: March 5 – attempted burglary
Dunhill Road, Coleraine: March 7 – attempted burglary
Dromore Road, Drumharvey, Enniskillen: March 9 – attempted burglary
Main Street, Kells: March 10 – attempted burglary
Chapel Street, Poyntzpass: March 10 – burglary
Main Street, Derrylin: March 14 – attempted burglary
Main Street, Tempo: March 15 – burglary
Detective Superintendent Neill added that while some of the attempts have been unsuccessful, all have resulted in some degree of criminal damage to the machine or surrounding property.
He 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 your help. Your support could make all the difference.
"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. 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.”
Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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