ATM damaged in overnight attempted theft in Carrickfergus

The scene on Tuesday morning at Carrickfergus Cricket Club where police investigated the attempted theft of an ATM

Police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted theft from an ATM machine in Carrickfergus in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with the investigation forcing the temporary closure of part of a nearby car park as officers continue work at the scene.

The incident was reported at around 12.10am on Tuesday, 7 April, when an attempt was made to gain access to an ATM located at a forecourt in the Middle Road area of the town.

While the machine was damaged during the attempted break-in, detectives have confirmed that nothing was stolen.

PSNI officers remained at the scene on Tuesday morning as forensic and investigative work continued, with the nearby car park at Carrickfergus Cricket Club cordoned off as a direct result of the police operation.

No vehicles were permitted to enter or leave the area while officers dealt with the incident.

The closure caused disruption for local users of the facility, although police released the scene at the car park toward lunchtime.

Police appeal after overnight incident

Detective Inspector Lenaghan said officers were notified shortly after midnight.

“We received a report at around 12.10am this morning, Tuesday, 7th April that an attempt had been made to gain access to a machine in a forecourt in the Middle Road area. Damage was noted to the ATM but nothing was taken.

“An investigation is underway and anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the Middle Road area in the early hours of Tuesday morning, or who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 10 of 07/04/26.

“You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

Local reaction as business remains open

Commenting on Tuesday morning, Carrickfergus MLA John Stewart, who is also chairman of Carrickfergus Cricket Club, described the incident as a serious attack on a local business but said it was welcome news that trading had not been interrupted.

“This is yet another disgraceful criminal attack on a local business - thankfully it didn’t succeed and it’s great to see the garage open as trading as normal this morning.

“A PSNI investigation is underway and anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the Middle Road area in the early hours of Tuesday morning, or who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 10 of 07/04/26.”

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At a glance

• Attempted theft from an ATM reported in Carrickfergus at around 12.10am on Tuesday, 7 April

• Incident happened at a forecourt in the Middle Road area

• ATM machine was damaged

• Police confirmed nothing was stolen

• PSNI remained at the scene on Tuesday morning

• Carrickfergus Cricket Club car park was cordoned off

• No vehicles were allowed in or out during investigations

• Garage was open and trading as normal

• Detectives are appealing for CCTV, dash-cam and witness information

• Reference number: 10 of 07/04/26