Detectives are investigating the attempted theft of an ATM from a filling station in Bessbrook Co Armagh.
The incident on the Green Road between Camlough and Bessbrook was reported to police shortly before 7am on Sunday.
The gang used a digger to ram the side of the building but fled the scene after members of the public contacted police.
Police found a Caterpillar digger with its engine still running and a Nissan flatbed, both abandoned by the thieves.
Damage was caused to the wall however the ATM was not removed.
Both Sinn Fein and the SDLP praised the police response, with officers said to have been at the scene within minutes.
SDLP Mayor of Newry and Mourne John Feehan said the sound of the incident alerted the public.
He added: "The police were on the scene within one minute of being called.
"Although the raiders escaped, prompt action from the police foiled this attempt."
Detectives said their investigations are ongoing and appealed to anyone who was on the Green Road or the Camlough Road between 6am and 7am on Sundaymorning, or anyone who has information about the incident, to contact police.
There have been 11 thefts and eight attempted thefts of ATMs since the start of 2009.
© UTV News