Northern Ireland

Police probe attempted ATM theft at Co Antrim petrol station

The petrol station in Ahogill that was targeted in the ATM raid. Picture by Mal McCann 
The petrol station in Ahogill that was targeted in the ATM raid. Picture by Mal McCann  The petrol station in Ahogill that was targeted in the ATM raid. Picture by Mal McCann 

A petrol station has been damaged in an attempted cash machine theft in Co Antrim.

It happened in the early hours of this morning on the Largy Road in Ahoghill.

Detective Sergeant Lenaghan said: “Shortly after 2:05am, it was reported that a car believed to be a dark coloured Vauxhall Vectra arrived at a garage forecourt in the area. 

"The vehicle then reversed, ramming the outside shutters of the premises a number of times. A male then got out of the car and attempted to break into the ATM on site.

Shutters at the petrol station were damaged in the attempted ATM theft. Picture by Mal McCann 
Shutters at the petrol station were damaged in the attempted ATM theft. Picture by Mal McCann  Shutters at the petrol station were damaged in the attempted ATM theft. Picture by Mal McCann 

"The male made off in the vehicle from the scene empty handed.

"Damage was reported to the shutters following the incident."

Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed suspicious vehicles in the area between 2:05am and 2:25am to contact them by calling 101.

The latest incident comes after a series of ATM thefts in the north. Last December a court heard how the cost of the raids in Co Antrim alone is more than £800,000.