LONG-AWAITED arrests following a string of ATM thefts across Northern Ireland were made following 3.30am reports from "a number of vigilant members of the public".
Fifteen cash machines have been stolen so far in 2019.
Police officers rushed to the Nutts Corner area of Co Antrim after 999 calls early yesterday morning that a digger was being used to remove a service station's ATM on Tully Road.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Shields said the PSNI had "immediately directed a significant number of resources to the area".
"Two men, aged 26 and 31, were detained and remain in custody being questioned on suspicion of theft and a number of other offences.
"It was as a result of this information from the public that we were able to make these arrests and also recover the stolen ATM.
"I would like to thank the local people and also take this opportunity to renew our appeal for any suspicious activity noticed around ATMs or building sites to be reported to police on 999."
Ms Shields warned that the spate of robberies may continue in coming weeks and pledged to have patrols in vulnerable areas last night, insisting it "remains a key priority for police".
"I want to remind anyone who owns or uses heavy plant machinery to take every possible step to secure and immobilise them.
"If criminals cannot steal diggers, they cannot tear out ATMs. This will also mean that these expensive pieces of machinery are not destroyed or burnt out.
"This morning's arrests demonstrate how the community and police can successfully work together to tackle crime. However, this does not mean we will be complacent as we recognise there are a number of gangs carrying out these attacks on ATMs and the threat of more thefts is very real.
"Every single one of these attacks impacts the community significantly - denying access to money and on many occasions causing inconvenience as the shop or filling station is forced to close for repair."
Glyn Roberts of Retail NI said it was "welcome news that at long last we have arrests arising from these robberies".
"Credit is due to the PSNI officers who made the arrests.
"... (But) yet another independent retailer has to deal with the aftermath of a seriously damaged store."
He called for the Department of Finance to allow those affected to to access a rates hardship fund to help them "get back on their feet again".
"I am getting extremely concerned at reports from members with ATMs, who have not even been attacked, who are now seeing their insurance premiums dramatically increasing. This adds another burden on an already difficult situation."
Northern Ireland Retail Consortium director Aodhán Connolly also said it is important to realise "this is not a victimless crime".
"That means shop owners whether large or small will question whether or not to have these machines that are a resource for the public, especially in rural areas.
"... This type of crime is wrecking hard worked-for livelihoods."
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There have been 12 incidents involving 15 cash machines so far in 2019.
1 February - Supermarket, Ballymena Road, Antrim (Two cash machines removed).
2 February - Supermarket, Glenavy Road, Moira.
15 February - Service Station, Killyclogher Road, Omagh.
10 March - Service Station, Ballygawley Road, Dungannon.
22 March - Bank, Mallusk Road, Newtownabbey.
24 March - Service station, Dromore Road, Irvinestown.
1 April - Shop, Brook Street, Ahoghill.
7 April - Service Station, Feeney Road, Dungiven.
16 April - Coffee shop, Main Street, Bushmills.
16 April - Supermarket, Main Street, Crumlin (Two cash machines removed).
26 April - Tesco, Larne Link Road, Ballymena (Two cash machines removed).
30 April - Service Station, Tully Road, Nutts Corner (One cash machine removed - two arrests made).
