Write a commentThree men have been arrested in Crossmaglen this morning following the theft of two ATM's in Dundalk in the early hours of Saturday morning, April 4. Bank machines were stolen from both AIB and Ulster Bank in Clanbrassil Street. The the two ATM's were also recovered bu the PSNI.
Speaking on the incident DCI Julie Mullan said: “Shortly after 3.30am, police received a report from our colleagues in An Garda Síochána that they were pursuing vehicles in relation to the reported theft of two ATMs in Dundalk.
“Officers made their way to the Jonesborough area and located a discarded trailer with two ATMS in the Mullabawn area of County Armagh.
“It was established that the suspects had entered a property in the Crossmaglen area, officers attended supported by colleagues in the armed response unit.
“Three men, aged 24, 29 and 57 were arrested on suspicion of handling property stolen in the Republic of Ireland. They are currently in police custody."
Police are appealing to anyone with any information in relation to this incident to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 190 of 04/04/20.
Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Condemnation
Louth TD Ruairi Ó Murchú has lashed out at those responsible for the 'reprehensible attack' which also saw cars set alight at Dundalk Garda Station.
“Last night saw a reprehensible attack on the community of Dundalk, that put the lives of frontline public servants in danger as they deal with the Covid-19 emergency.
"I was awoken by calls and messages shortly after this event and later spoke with Gardaí at the scene. Crime scene investigators have now arrived. The digger and truck used are still on the street and a car was also found burnt out in Deerpark, Bellurgan.”
"Organised criminals will use any situation to its advantage. We as a society cannot accept that.”
Deputy Ó Murchú continued ”I spoke with a senior Garda earlier in the week, who believed certain criminal gangs would be under the illusion that they would be able to operate without detection, but that Gardaí were prepared for this.
I had commended them for operations that had been carried out against drug gangs during this period.
Initial reports are that due to the Garda pursuit and cross border co-operation there have been three arrested in Silverbridge and the ATMs have been recovered“.
Concluding the TD said “Organised Criminal gangs are a blight and a virus that are with the community all the time.
We are facing a life and death battle with Covid-19 and criminal gangs cannot be allowed to risk lives, profiteer, cause damage and disrupt the services busy dealing with this pandemic.
I ask anyone with information to bring it to the Gardaí and PSNI”
