Local politicians speak up following theft of ATM in Castleblayney

Two local politicians have called for increased efforts in catching those responsible for the theft of an ATM in the early hours of this morning in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has said that following the ongoing ATM robberies, including last night’s incident in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, senior Garda management must make finding these criminals a priority.

“Operating both sides of the border this gang are causing much concern in our region", said Deputy Smith. "Not to mention the act of stealing ATM’s and the money within, there are farm machinery and JCB’s being stolen to facilitate these crimes.

“Villages are being left with local stores closed, the bank in Castleblayney looks likely to be closed for some time until repair works are completed. There is collateral damage to our towns and villages as a consequence of these vile acts.

 “The Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner must step up their efforts, in conjunction with their peers in the PSNI, to ensure these preparators are held to account", he continued.

"I have continually highlighted in Dáil Éireann to the Justice Minister that there are unique policing demands on Garda Divisions in the border region and that additional resources, including both personnel, modern vehicles and equipment, should be allocated to such areas to deal with crime including cross border criminality,” concluded Smith.

Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy said that the recent spate of attacks on ATMs across the north and border region is wholly unacceptable, not least for the huge cost implications for small, local businesses and the disruption it causes communities.
 
Carthy said that cross-border policing efforts, supported by local communities and the construction industry, must be focused on stamping out this gang or gangs.

“It has become an almost daily news report in recent weeks that an ATM has been attacked and removed in the region", said Carthy.

He continued:

"Local shop owners are now living in constant dread that their premises may be next.  There are also fears among local communities that an innocent person could get caught up in one of these attacks and be injured or killed in the fallout.
 
“The criminals involved in these attacks are clearly operating on a cross-border basis.  The response therefore must also involve a cross-border policing effort, supported by local communities and the construction industry, in order to stamp out these callous opportunists.  As an immediate step, policing resources and personnel must be increased in these areas.
 
“There is a real concern among communities that these events will lead to the removal of ATM facilities from rural towns and villages, areas that have already had other services withdrawn.

"Such a move would have a detrimental effect on how people live and do business in these rural communities.  Assurances must be provided by government and the banks that everything possible will be done to avoid such a scenario”, Carthy concluded.