ATM Cash Raid Sparks Lie-Detector Tests

Just weeks after a massive breach of security by armed robbers in Co Londonderry led to the loss of more than £600,000 as an ATM cash machine was being replenished, the security company involved has been reported to be testing staff with lie detectors.

The Belfast Telegraph has just revealed that US-owned Brinks is using this extreme measure following a number of robberies on security staff making cash deliveries.

It is thought to be an attempt to deter any employees from collaborating with crime gangs.

Brink's is based in Richmond, Virginia, and is said to be a leading global security services company with 50,000 employees worldwide with operations in more than 50 countries, including both Dublin and Belfast facilities.

The tests are believed to have been carried out for Brinks' employees this week and are being billed as "supporting the company in its efforts to solve and prevent robberies".

Last month security staff were threatened and tied up as money was stolen during an armed robbery of a Brinks van outside a Costcutter store in Co Londonderry.

It is thought that more than £600,000 was taken from the Brinks' security delivery vehicle whose crew were on site replenishing a Bank of Ireland ATM.

It happened on the Mullinahoe Road in Ardboe in late March and saw the staff bundled into the back of a van. The police said that two vehicles - believed to have been used in the raid - were found burned out in Ardboe and the Ballyronan marina area.

The raiders managed to breach security measures to actually enter the Brinks' vehicle and escaped with an unprecedented amount of cash - leaving the staff tied-up.

See: CIT Robbers Target Staff