Thieves steal nearby digger and target Richhill ATM in early hours of the morning

An ATM theft in County Armagh, which occurred in the early hours of this morning, has been described as “blatant criminality”.
By Joanne Knox
Published 20th Dec 2022, 09:48 BST
Updated 20th Dec 2022, 11:08 BST
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The ATM machine at the Fruitfield complex, outside the village of Richhill, was targeted at around 4.30am on Tuesday morning (20 December). It was later recovered by police on the Moy Road.

This is the second such incident in the last two years, with thieves making off with a large quantity of cash from the machine on the Portadown Road in May 2020.

Alderman Gareth Wilson said a digger was stolen this morning from a site opposite the retail complex and driven through a fence before the cash machine was taken.

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Alderman Wilson said the ATM housing has been “totally destroyed”. Image: Facebook/Gareth WilsonAlderman Wilson said the ATM housing has been “totally destroyed”. Image: Facebook/Gareth Wilson
Alderman Wilson said the ATM housing has been “totally destroyed”. Image: Facebook/Gareth Wilson

Alderman Wilson said the ATM housing has been “totally destroyed”.

“If you witnessed anything suspicious please contact the PSNI. [This is] blatant criminality which I outright condemn,” he added.

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following the theft.Detective Inspector Handley said: “A report was received shortly after 4.45am on Tuesday morning (20 December) of suspicious activity in the area.“On the arrival of officers, a digger was located on fire and a built in cash machine had been stolen from the premises, causing substantial damage to the building.

“Our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire. We believe the digger was stolen from a site a short distance away.

An ATM theft in County Armagh, which occurred in the early hours of this morning, has been described as “blatant criminality”. Image: Facebook/Gareth WilsonAn ATM theft in County Armagh, which occurred in the early hours of this morning, has been described as “blatant criminality”. Image: Facebook/Gareth Wilson
An ATM theft in County Armagh, which occurred in the early hours of this morning, has been described as “blatant criminality”. Image: Facebook/Gareth Wilson

“Two men were observed wearing dark clothing as they placed the ATM into a trailer and then set fire to the digger before leaving in a white van towards the Portadown Road.

“We have since recovered the van, trailer and ATM on the Moy Road and a full investigation is now underway to determine the circumstances surrounding this theft.“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area between 4.30am and 4.45am and saw what happened, or who has information which could assist our investigation to call us.“In particular, I am appealing to anyone who saw a white van towing a trailer in the Portadown Road and Moy Road areas to get in touch with detectives by calling 101, quoting reference 183 of 20/12/22.”

Alternatively, information can also be provided by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via ww w.psni.police.uk/makeareport/