Attempted ATM theft at Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital under police investigation

Detectives are investigating an attempted theft of an ATM machine from the Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital in Belfast during the early hours of Saturday morning.

The incident has prompted a public appeal as police seek to identify those responsible.

Early-Morning Incident at Children’s Hospital

Police were alerted after reports that at around 3.15am on Saturday 7 February, two men entered the Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital posing as workmen.

The suspects are believed to have loaded an ATM machine onto a trolley and attempted to move it towards a vehicle waiting outside the hospital. However, the attempt was unsuccessful and the men left the scene empty-handed, leaving the ATM intact.

Officers attended the hospital shortly after the report was received and carried out searches in the surrounding area, but the suspects were not located.

Police Appeal for Information

Detective Sergeant Robson confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and urged anyone who may have seen suspicious activity to come forward.

He said:

“Officers attended and searches were carried out but unfortunately we were unable to locate the suspects.

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of the Children’s Hospital between 3am & 4.15am and who may have mobile or dash-cam footage which could assist with our enquiries, to call us on 101, quoting reference number 211 07/02/26.

“I also want to urge people to continue to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity they see immediately to police.”

Concern for Hospital Environment

Although no damage was caused and the ATM was not stolen, the incident has caused concern due to its location within a children’s hospital, where patients, families and staff may be present at all hours.

Police are keen to establish the movements of the suspects before and after the attempted theft, particularly any vehicles seen in the area during the early hours of the morning.

How to Provide Information

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 211 07/02/26.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Reports may also be submitted online using the PSNI non-emergency reporting form: https://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/