David Ford MLA said: “These ATM thefts are hurting local rural communities as it often means that people have to travel greater distances just to get cash.
“I am very concerned that this theft in Templepatrick follows another robbery in Kells last week. Some of the companies who own these cash machines believe that it is not worth it to replace them, which would be detrimental to local businesses and communities.
“”I understand that banks in England who experienced thefts like this a few years ago took steps to reinforce ATMs, it seems it is time that banks in Northern Ireland did the same.
“I will be meeting the Antrim Police Commander this morning and I will be raising this issue with him.
“I would urge anybody with any information about this or any of the other ATM thefts to contact the police. We must stop these thefts as the public are often the worst affected.”
ENDS