Two men to appear in court after ATM machines damaged in Ballymena

Sainsbury’s, Ballymena

Two men have been charged following an incident involving ATM machines at Sainsbury’s on the Larne Road Link in Ballymena, after it is understood two cash machines were damaged having allegedly been tampered with.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed the charges on Wednesday, April 15, after officers investigated reports of men interfering with ATM machines in the Larne Link Road area on Saturday 11 April.

A witness at the scene reported that the ATM outside the main Sainsbury’s store was cordoned off on Wednesday morning.

The incident is understood to have involved damage to two ATM machines, prompting a police response and subsequent arrests.

Police confirm court charges

In a statement issued on Wednesday, a PSNI spokesperson said:

“Police in Ballymena, investigating the report of men tampering with ATM machines in the Larne Link Road area, have charged two men to court.

“The men, aged, 34 and 40, have been charged with a number of offences including theft, criminal damage and going equipped for theft.

“Both men are due to appear at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 7th May.

“As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS.”

The charges include alleged offences of theft, criminal damage and going equipped for theft — an offence typically relating to possession of items intended for use in stealing or unlawfully interfering with property.

Incident at busy Ballymena retail location

The incident took place at one of Ballymena’s busiest retail locations on the Larne Road Link, where the Sainsbury’s store and its external ATM are frequently used by shoppers and local residents.

No further details have yet been released regarding the extent of the damage to the machines or whether any money was taken.

The PSNI has not released further information at this stage.

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At a glance

• Two men have been charged by PSNI following an ATM incident in Ballymena

• The incident happened at Sainsbury’s on the Larne Road Link

• Two ATM machines are understood to have been damaged after being tampered with

• A witness reported the ATM was cordoned off on Wednesday morning, April 15

• The men are aged 34 and 40

• Charges include theft, criminal damage and going equipped for theft

• Both are due before Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, May 7

• All charges will be reviewed by the PPS