Thieves destroy shop front in 4x4 cash machine raid

Pictures show the devastating scene after thieves reversed a 4x4 into the front of a village shop but left empty-handed.

Police were called at 4am last Thursday to the One Stop in High Halden after residents heard a loud bang.

Officers say a Cherokee Jeep reversed into the front of the Ashford Road shop and then strapping was used in an attempt to pull out the ATM.

The 4x4 then left the scene along Church Hill and was later found on fire in Harbourne Lane.

The thieves did not get away with the cash machine or any money.

Gillian Bryant, who lives next door, says the 4x4 hit the shop several times.

“I heard some voices outside, I jumped out of bed to see what was going on and looked out the window,” she said.

“I saw a car reversing in the road and the next thing I knew it was reversing into the shop.

“There was a massive smash, the car proceeded to go back and forth several times.

“It went on for five minutes and the whole house was shaking, it was very scary.

“It was one of the scariest things I have ever seen.”

Store manager Jay Karthik has run the shop for two-and-ahalf years.

He said: “First of all I heard someone revving the car and then it got louder and louder.

“The next minute I heard a big noise.

“One guy was standing there and guiding the other guy in the car. I stayed upstairs and looked out the window.

“All I could see was a car going forward and backwards.

“There was a guy with a mask on in the main road trying to guide the driver to reverse into the shop and within two to three minutes they drove off.

“There is big damage, there’s a big mess and half of the shop has gone.

“It’s going to cost thousands to fix it, the shop front, felling and fitting - everything is damaged.”

Mr Karthik partially reopened his store with makeshift signage just a day after the raid.

In 2012, an illustration in the style of elusive graffiti artist Banksy appeared on the wall of the former Co-op building.

It shows two children saluting with their right hands on their chests as a third raises a Union Jack. The work was not damaged in the raid.

Witnesses should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/34164/19.

The 4x4 was set alight after the raid