GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING the robbery of a cash box from a security guard in Ratoath, Co Meath, yesterday morning believe an ink-staining device may have been triggered in the raid.
They have appealed for anyone who was in the vicinity of the shopping centre in Ratoath yesterday at about 8.30am or who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area to come forward.
They are particularly anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen a white Peugeot Partner van near the shopping centre prior to the raid.
Shopkeepers or others may be offered ink-stained cash and gardaí advise such people to contact them immediately if approached.
Two men, both believed to be armed, held up security men as they serviced an automated teller machine at the shopping centre in Ratoath village.
The men escaped with cash in a box which contained an anti-theft measure involving an explosive ink cartridge.
Garda sources said a number of newer cash boxes use technology to ensure that the explosive charge goes off when the cash box gets a certain distance away from a security van.
The sources said it was no longer necessary for the cash boxes to be tampered with to discharge the explosive, although this will cause it to go off as well.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ashbourne Garda station on 01-8010600, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Gardaí are also investigating a robbery from a security man who was collecting cash from a shop at Century Business Park, Meakstown, Dublin 11.
Two men attacked the man with what is believed to be a crow bar and grabbed a cash box. They made their escape on foot towards the Charlestown estate.
Gardaí said one man was tall and thin and wore an orange rain jacket with grey tracksuit bottoms. The second man was about 5ft 9in and was wearing a dark jacket, grey cap and dark trousers.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/8a09a42a-bf7b-491e-848d-432f8309b3fa.png)