Police in Northern Ireland have launched a major investigation after releasing startling CCTV footage of audacious thieves using a stolen BMW to steal an entire cash machine from a shopping centre.
The dramatic incident occurred at the Crown Court shopping complex in Antrim during the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the culprits remaining at large despite the compelling video evidence.
The Brazen Late-Night Raid
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the thieves used a stolen black BMW X3 to rip the ATM from its moorings at approximately 2:50 AM. The vehicle, which had been stolen during a separate burglary in the Lisburn area earlier that night, was employed as a battering ram against the vulnerable machine.
The released footage shows the moment the BMW reverses violently into the cash point, tearing it from the wall before the perpetrators load their prize into another vehicle and flee the scene.
Police Appeal for Public Assistance
Detective Sergeant Johnston of the PSNI has made a direct appeal to the public, stating: "We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of the Crown Court shopping centre or Henry Street and may have witnessed this incident or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage."
Investigators are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who observed suspicious activity in the area between 2:30 AM and 3:30 AM on Wednesday morning.
Pattern of ATM Thefts Continues
This incident represents the latest in a series of similar attacks on cash machines across Northern Ireland. The method of using stolen high-performance vehicles to physically remove ATMs has become an concerning trend for law enforcement.
The PSNI has reassured the public that their investigation is ongoing and multiple lines of enquiry are being pursued to identify and apprehend those responsible for this destructive crime.
