Series of thefts from forecourts

There were six reports of thefts from garages and car washes overnight in the Antrim, Kells, Ballymoney, Articlave, Ballymoney and Portstewart areas.

In each case, coins from the air and screen wash vending machines were stolen, the coin box itself ripped out, or an attempt made to steal the coin box.

Superintendent John Magill said: “These six reports follow a further nineteen similar incidents across Northern Ireland since the beginning of March.

“Our officers will be looking out for suspicious activity around garage forecourts as part of their patrols, particularly in the early hours of the morning.

“We will also be making contact with businesses to make them aware of the crime trend and offer crime prevention advice. However, I would ask that anyone who notices suspicious activity around garage forecourts calls police immediately on 999.

“If you have any information in relation to this crime trend, please contact us on the non-emergency number 101. Or, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”