THIEVES have stolen a “substantial” amount of money from a filling station in Ballynahinch.
Shutters on the Donard View garage shop were forced open some time in the early hours of yesterday morning.
A stand-alone ATM machine and safe were stolen from the Crossgar Road premises.
Forensic officers carried out an investigation at the scene yesterday afternoon as police appealed for information.
Detective Sergeant Bell said the burglary occurred sometime before 4.30am.
“I would appeal for anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious persons or vehicles in the Crossgar Road area to contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 162 of April 24.
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100 per cent anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
The burglary was condemned by local councillor Billy Walker, who said he feared the crime was the work of a gang targeting ATMs.
“I want to condemn this attack on a businessman who is serving his community to the highest standard,” he said. “The amount of money taken was substantial.
“I believe there is a criminal gang operating in this area. Just over a week ago at Mayobridge an ATM was stolen.
“This filling station is in a quiet spot in a rural area and I think thieves thought it would be an easy target. This type of crime is an attack on the whole community and I appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI.
Cllr Terry Andrews also condemned the incident. He said: “I know the owners of this business and I want to condemn what happened without reservation.
“In these difficult times for business owners it is the last thing anybody would want to happen to their premises. I am sure that in this situation the owners have the support of the local community and I appeal to anyone with information to contact police.”
DUP MLA Peter Weir said he was “shocked and disgusted” by the burglary.
“The removal of the safe and ATM machine is clearly the work of a professional criminal gang and people will need to be vigilant in the area,” he said.
“This despicable crime has stunned local people, and I am sure that everyone will join with me in condemning this vile crime.
“This stands in sharp contrast to the public service provided by the garage and its staff. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and so I appeal to anyone who has seen or heard anything suspicious around the time of the incident to immediately report it to the PSNI.”