Gardaí hunt 2 gangs over ATM raid

TWO criminal gangs specialising in smash-and-grab raids are on the shortlist of suspects for a dramatic raid on an ATM in Tinahely, Co Wicklow.

A six-man gang used a digger to demolish the front of a Bank of Ireland building on Dwyer’s Square before removing the ATM machine and making their getaway by car.

Local publican Simon Byrne, who runs the Seavers pub next door to the bank, told reporters that when he checked on the commotion one of the raiders put a gun to his face and told him to go back to his pub.

Detectives said that two gangs which comprise a criminal network are among the main suspects for the audacious raid.

One of the gangs is located in Wexford.

A second outfit closely associated with the Wexford gang is based in the Clondalkin area of west Dublin. These gangs were the subject of a major garda investigation last year under Operation Slope, which was set up in response to more than 20 such robberies in the preceding two years.

Gardaí have submitted a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to eight key members of these outfits with a view to charging them under anti-gang legislation.

Yesterday’s drama began at about 4.30am at Clonegal near Bunclody, Co Wexford, where a tractor and low-loader were stolen from a site and driven to a building site outside Tinahely.

There, the gang stole a track digger belonging to contractor Tom Byrne from Kilpipe, Aughrim.

After putting the digger on the low-loader, the gang drove the short distance to the bank.

At around 5.40am, the gang parked the tractor outside the bank and used the digger to smash down on the roof and tear off the front walls.

Local people said as they were swinging the ATM clear of the premises the digger toppled off the trailer.

The tyres on the garda car at the local station had also been slashed.

Gardaí said the vehicles used in the theft were:

* A black Mitsubishi Pajero 03 CN 712, stolen overnight in Tullow, Co Carlow.

* A silver Toyota Landcruiser, 06 KK 946, stolen overnight from Castledermot, Carlow.

* A tractor and trailer, 90 WX 4156, stolen overnight from Clonegal, Co Wexford.

* A long-armed digger.

A garda spokesman said the raiders left in “a dark coloured car” and drove towards Aughrim Road. He said they had at least one firearm, but no one was injured and gardaí were unaware of the amount of cash taken.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 059-6482610 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.