Thieves tear ATM from wall by using forklift

Thieves used a forklift truck to pull a cash machine from the wall of a convenience store.

Three robbers wearing balaclavas left the Co-op store in Annan Road, Gretna, badly damaged when they used an industrial Manitou forklift to remove the ATM from the wall at about 2.45am yesterday.

The three robbers escaped in a stolen silver coloured Vauxhall Vectra car, which had been adapted to fit the ATM in the boot, heading along Surrone Road onto Loanwath Road.

It is understood the forklift had been stolen from a nearby farm.

The ATM is believed

“Detectives are carrying out extensive inquiries”

to contain a five-figure sum of cash.

There were no staff in the building at the time of the robbery but the shop was closed while damage was assessed.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Burnie said: “Inquiries are at an early stage to trace the individuals involved in this reckless incident and I am appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist our investigation.

“Detectives are currently carrying out extensive inquiries, including examining CCTV and speaking to local residents. I would ask anyone living in the area who saw or heard anything suspicious, and is yet to speak to police, to please get in touch.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw a forklift or a silver Vectra car in the area in the early hours of this morning to please get in touch.

“I would also ask any motorists with dashcams, or residents with CCTV, to check in case they have captured any footage which could be of significance.”