The ATM at McAleer’s Spar on the Dromore Road was ripped from its wall with a digger in March, but determined not to let the criminals behind the theft disrupt the shop, the ATM has been reinstated by the shop owner, Fabian McAleer.

The theft caused significant damage to the shop, and the digger, which had been stolen from a building site nearby, was then set alight in the shop’s forecourt while police believe the ATM was removed using a trailer. 

The shocking incident took place during a time of a number of remarkably similar ATM thefts in border counties that began in Ballybay, County Monaghan back in December. 

Welcoming the news of the reinstatement of ATM, local Councillor Diana Armstrong said, 

“The reinstatement of the ATM at McAleer’s shop on the Dromore Road, Irvinestown is a positive sign that this service, which enables money to be withdrawn at any time of the day or night, has been restored. “Following the robbery and removal of the ATM in March this year, I commend Fabian McAleer for retaining the ATM in its external location on the premises. This illustrates yet again a fine example of resilience and community service in a rural area which has seen the loss of one bank and diminished access to ATMs for the night time economy. 

“Feedback from the local community indicates that the return of this service is welcomed at the popular service station and shop on the Dromore Road,” she added.