Daylight shows the extent of the damage to O’Kane’s filling station on Feeny Road
O’Kane’s Filling station was the latest of thieves attacking rural ATM machines.
At around 4.15 am thieves stole a digger from nearby and ripped out the ATM machine at the station on Feeny Road on the outskirts of Dungiven.
Shop owner Martin O’Kane said: “There are going to be less and less ATMs about now because of these attacks.
“There is one basically happening every week now.
“I probably won’t get another cash machine in again, and that will be the local community losing out.”
The station is now closed until further notice so repairs can be carried out.
It is understood that thieves lowered the ATM into a Citroen Berlingo van which had its roof cut off and drove away, with the ATM protruding out above the top of the vehicle.
It is the eight attack so far this year in the North of Ireland.
Police have set up a special task force to try and catch the thieves involved in the ATM raids.
Detective Inspector Richard Thornton said: “Unfortunately, the public and the business community are today waking to the news that another ATM machine has been stolen; that another business has been targeted by these brazen thieves.
“The theft from the filling station on Feeny Road was reported to us just before 4:30am.
“A digger, believed to have been taken from a site a short distance away, was used to rip the machine from the wall at the side of the shop leaving substantial damage to the building.
“On this occasion, the digger was not set alight and was located at the scene.
“I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area and who may have witnessed the theft, or who saw the digger being driven to the scene, to contact us.
“I would also appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the last few days in the area to call us.
“If you have information which you believe could assist our investigation please, pick up the phone and call detectives on 101, quoting reference number 357 of 07/04/19.”
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Detective Inspector Thornton said the theft this morning is the eighth ATM theft this year.
O’Kane’s filling station targeted this morning in ATM raid
“We are doing all we can to catch the people responsible – it is a key priority for us – however, I want to reiterate that the key to stopping these crimes and getting ahead of these criminals is information from the public.
“We need people to report anything suspicious, including seeing any unusual activity or people in areas close to ATMs.
“For example, if you hear machinery late at night or in the early hours please let us know.
“If you see any cars being driven in a suspicious manner close to where ATMs are located, please let us know.
“No matter how insignificant you think it is, call us and we will investigate.
“It could be key to catching the criminals responsible.”
