Attempted theft is condemned

Attempted theft is condemned

18 July 2018

THE attempted theft of a cash machine from Downe Hospital last week has been condemned by local politicians.

The burglars were disturbed by security staff as they used a trolley to try and remove the ATM in the hospital’s foyer last Tuesday morning. They then sped off empty-handed in a white Ford Transit van.

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath and Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan both condemned those responsible for the attempted robbery.

Mr McGrath said: “It’s a sad reflection on those involved that they would enter a hospital and try and steal the ATM machine which is there for the use of sick and frail patients.

“The fact that some people would feel it is an acceptable thing to do is a sad indictment upon them.

“A key cornerstone of the hospital environment is that it is a safe space for those that are ill to get treatment and to get better. For some to abuse those convalescing and ruin the communal services available for them is dreadful.”

Ms Rogan urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the police.

“I condemn this attempted robbery at Downe Hospital. It’s believed two men tried to rip the ATM out and tried to load into the back of a transit van.”

Detectives have appealed for information and asked if anyone notice a white Transit van acting suspiciously in the Downpatrick area around 1.30am on July 10 to contact them in Downpatrick on 101, quoting reference 96 10/07/18.