Garda warning to lock up heavy machinery which may be used to rip out ATMs

Gardaí have warned owners of heavy machinery to lock up their vehicles overnight to help stop ATM robberies - 15 of which have occurred on both side of the Border in recent months.

In the latest incidents last night, ATMs at the Bank of Ireland and the AIB banks in the same town - Kells in Co Meath - were stolen.

It is believed that as much as €200,000 was taken.

The gang also deployed spikes outside the town's Garda Station in a bid to puncture tyres and slow down the response to the crime - but Gardai say it wasn't successful.

Gardaí described the ATM robberies operation as "well planned and sophisticated".

It took four minutes to rip the ATMs from the walls of both the Bank of Ireland and the AIB on John Street.

The alarm was raised at around 4am.

The two buildings, which are just metres apart, have been badly damaged.

Gardai said: "In light of several recent ATM robberies which involved the use of heavy machinery, Gardaí are appealing to anyone who owns or uses heavy plant machinery to please take every possible step to secure and immobilise your vehicles.

"Please ensure they are stored securely and not left in an area that is easily accessible overnight.

"If criminal groups cannot steal diggers and other similar machinery, they cannot tear out ATMs.

"This will also mean that these expensive pieces of machinery are not destroyed or burnt out after they are stolen.

"We also appeal to members of the public who see any unusual movement of plant machinery, commercial jeeps, or pickup trucks during night time hours to report such activity immediately to An Garda Siochana.

"Do not assume somebody else has already made the call.

"You can also contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or Crimestoppers on 1800 250 025.

"Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated."

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has been briefed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on the latest raids.

In a statement, Mr Flanagan said: I'm very concerned at the most recent ATM robberies and indeed have expressed that concern to the Garda Commissioner.