DUP In Call For Increased Police Focus On ATM Thefts

A DUP MLA has called on the PSNI to step up their focus following the latest ATM theft in Dungiven, Co L'Derry, amid a spate of similar incidents.

The party's Policing Board member Keith Buchanan was part of a DUP delegation which met with the PSNI's ATM taskforce on Monday to discuss the issue.

He said after Sunday's attack: "This incident in Dungiven is the latest where a business has been severely disrupted because of the actions of a criminal gang. Whilst we were able to take some reassurance from the PSNI following our meeting, the prevalence of attacks on businesses is of real concern.

"Police must ensure that adequate resources are focused on this crime which is disproportionately impacting upon rural communities. These are areas where many have already seen their local bank branch close, and ATM machines are the only source available to access their money."

DUP Policing Board members are set to raise the issue with the Chief Constable later this week. The PSNI recently established a Task Force dedicated to the investigations of these crimes.

The Mid Ulster MLA continued: "It is absolutely vital that everyone in the community plays their part. In particular, anyone with heavy construction machinery must ensure that it is properly secured. The theft of equipment used to carry out these raids has a further impact upon local business.

"Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious should also assist the police. Those engaged in these crimes must be brought to justice."



(JG/CM)