Fianna Fáil European Election Candidate in the Midlands, North-West constituency and Cavan-Monaghan TD, Brendan Smith, has said the latest ATM robberies clearly demonstrate the need for targeted Garda resources to find and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Deputy Smith said, “These brazen thefts are becoming common place on both sides of the border. Last night four ATM’s in total were robbed. A tractor and digger were used to raid two ATM’s from Main Street in Kells, Co. Meath. Two further ATMs were taken in counties Antrim and Armagh.
“This gang is striking fear into the hearts of small shop owners who may have an ATM on their premises and also farmers whose machinery is being targeted to carry out these acts of thuggery. They are operating on both sides of the border and leaving a trail of destruction behind them.
Villages are being left with local stores closed and the ATM facility in Castleblayney which was recently targeted won’t be back in action for some time. It’s reasonable to assume the same for the two ATM’s in Kells leaving many individuals and businesses inconvenienced.
“Senior Garda management must make finding these criminals a priority. They have clearly demonstrated that they will not stop until they are caught and brought to justice.
“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 Deputy Brendan Smith.