Elaborate ATM theft
Police hunt after thieves smash Land Rover into three shops in elaborate attempt to steal ATMS
A Land Rover was rammed into three shops in Lanarkshire in an elaborate early-morning plot to steal cash machines.
Police are hunting two men following a break-in and two attempted break-ins at shops in Stonehouse, East Kilbride and Hamilton on Monday.
The vehicle was found dumped , having been set alight, in Blantyre.
A Land Rover was rammed into three shops across Lanarkshire in an elaborate early-morning plot to steal cash machines.
Police launched an investigation following a break-in and two attempted break-ins at shops in Stonehouse, East Kilbride and Hamilton in the early hours of Monday morning.
Officers are hunting two men who were spotted in the Land Rover Discovery — which was subsequently found dumped in Blantyre.
The first incident occurred around 1.50am, when the darkcoloured vehicle was used to break into the Spar shop at The Cross in Stonehouse.
Police say the thieves gained access to the premises but were unable to remove the ATM machine.
The second incident took place around an hour later, with the vehicle being rammed into Westwood Stores in Leeward Circle, East Kilbride.
On this occasion, the suspects managed to gain access, but again were unable to remove the ATM from the premises.
However, the culprits managed to steal the cash machine from the Pennysave Store on Udston Road, Hamilton, after crashing through the shop’s shutters around 3.10am.
The Land Rover was later recovered in Stoneymeadow Road, Blantyre, having been set on fire.
Police say it will “undergo a full forensic examination”, while officers are in the process of collecting CCTV images from around the area of each of the shops and the routes the car may have taken.
Detective Inspector David Cockburn said: “Our enquiries carried out so far have revealed two men were in the car and both were wearing dark-coloured clothing.
“The car sustained damage to its rear and a tail light was smashed, so I’m appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle to contact us, perhaps you remember seeing the car damaged and the light out.
“The car is now undergoing a full examination by forensic officers and detectives will continue to carry out door-to-door enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation.
“If anyone has any information or knowledge about the suspects, any of the incidents, or the car then please do contact us.”
Anyone with information is urged to call CID officers at Hamilton Police Office via 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.