Garda investigation launched after ATM stolen from Little Island bank

Building damaged during overnight raid as thieves use industrial machinery to remove external cash machine

A Garda investigation has been launched following the theft of an external ATM from a bank in east Cork in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 1.30am at the Bank of Ireland premises in East Gate Village, Little Island, and involved the use of an industrial telehandler.

It is understood that the façade of the building was damaged during the theft, which saw the external ATM, mounted on the outside of the banking premises, removed and stolen.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that a technical examination of the scene has been carried out.

No arrests have been made and investigations remain ongoing, the spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Bank of Ireland said it is engaging with gardaí 

"A full assessment of damage to the branch is being conducted," the spokesperson added. 

The incident is the second ATM-related robbery in Cork in less than two weeks, following the attempted theft of an ATM from Dano’s SuperValu in Mallow on June 1.

It is understood that a JCB vehicle was also used in that incident. However, the assailants were unsuccessful in removing the ATM.

An Garda Síochána said investigations into the Mallow incident are also ongoing.