A number of cash machines have been removed from hospital foyers as a precaution after thieves dressed as work men attempted to steal an ATM from an NI hospital.
The attempted theft of the ATM from the Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital happened in the early hours of this morning.
Police were told that at around 3.15am, two men, dressed as workmen, had entered the hospital and loaded the ATM machine onto a trolley and attempted to take it to a vehicle waiting outside.
The men, however, left empty-handed leaving the machine intact at the scene.
Detective Sergeant Robson said: “Officers attended and searches were carried out, but unfortunately we were unable to locate the suspects.
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“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of the Children’s Hospital between 3am and 4.15am and who may have mobile or dash-cam footage which could assist with our enquiries, to call us on 101, quoting reference number 211 07/02/26.
“I also want to urge people to continue to be vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity they see immediately to police.”
It is understood the ATM device was removed from the foyer of the Children’s Hospital by the company who own the device. A further machine has also been removed from the foyer of the main Royal Victoria Children’s Hospital as a precaution.
The Belfast Trust has confirmed there was no disruption to patients as a result of the incident.