AN earth excavator was used to break into a bank in Galway early yesterday, but the raiders fled empty handed after they were spotted.
At least two raiders, probably more, used a CAT loader to smash into the Ulster Bank at the Liosbain Industrial Estate on the Tuam Road at about 4 a.m. The loader, stolen in Claregalway six miles away, was used to smash the facade of the bank and much of its side in less than two minutes, causing £75,000 in damage.
However, it was all for nothing as the gang was noticed while trying to steal the automated teller machine (ATM) and fled. The steel reinforced ATM safe was in tact, although the outer casing of the dispensing machine was smashed.
Supt Tony Finnerty, of Mill Street station, said the gang, who got away in a stolen jeep - later found at Merlin Park in Galway - might have been alerted by a look out using a motorcycle. Gardai had been alerted immediately as the bank's alarm was linked to the station.
Gardai believe the raiders were disturbed by a passing lorry driver who is believed to have tried to block their exit. An intensive search for the raiders continued yesterday.
An Ulster Bank security officer, Mr John Courtney, said this was the second attempt in recent years to steal a whole ATM unit. A similarly unsuccessful attempt was carried out in Dublin. "The unit itself would be structurally sound. The chances of success would have been pretty remote."