AN "outrageous" attempt has been made to steal an cash machine from a Co-Op shop in Co Tyrone.
Detective Inspector Will Tate said police were alerted at around 2.15am today of an attempt to steal the cashpoint from inside the store on Main Street in Fivemiletown.
"It is reported a white transit type van rammed the premises several times causing damage to the front of the shop and the ATM inside. At this time, we believe no money was taken during the incident," he said.
"It is believed the van drove off in the direction of the Edfield Way roundabout. Enquiries are continuing.
"I know this attempted theft will cause disruption to the public, but I want to reassure the community we will do everything we can to catch those responsible, however, we also need the public to help us and report anything suspicious they've seen in recent days or this morning."
He appealed for anyone with information or "dash cam footage of the area" to call detectives on 101, quoting reference 113 11/10/19, adding "it could make all the difference".
DUP Clogher Valley councillor Wills Robinson said it was "an outrageous action which massively impacts the community who use the shop".
"It's an attack on the community," he said.
"Those behind it have no care for the town or the people who live in it. My thoughts are with the shop management and employees who have to now pick up the pieces and put it all back together.
"We have been pressing the police in recent weeks about increasing patrols in the town as there has been low level crime related to drug and alcohol abuse but this is taking it to another level.
"I will be encouraging the police to step up security in the town and make a determined effort to catch the criminals responsible for this. Those behind the robbery need to be caught and taken off the streets. The right place for them is behind bars."
