Video: Stolen farm loader used in cashpoint ram raid
©Dominic Evans/Cartel/Rex Shutterstock Police are hunting ram raiders who used a stolen farm loader to tear a cashpoint machine from the wall of a post office in Bedfordshire.
The thieves then used the telehandler to load the cashpoint machine on to a truck before making their getaway from the post office in Cranfield.
See also: Warning as gangs steal telehandlers to raid ATMs
The farm vehicle, which had been stolen from a Buckinghamshire farm ahead of the raid on 4 July, was abandoned at the scene.
Detective Constable Adam Cave said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have any information about this incident.
“As well as making off with valuable equipment and cash, these offenders also caused considerable damage to a business premises.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Cave using the non-emergency number 101 or text 07786 200 011.
The raid follows a warning earlier this year that ram-raiding using stolen farm equipment was on the rise.
In the winter months six telehandlers were stolen from across Leicestershire and thieves made off with substantial amounts of cash.
Leicestershire Police released CCTV footage of one of the raids which left a massive hole in the side of a Co-op supermarket.
(Make sure you watch to the end)
Speaking in January Detective Constable Stu Palmer said the telehanders were being stolen from within two miles of all targeted stores.
DC Palmer issued an urgent plea to farmers.
“Please think about how best to secure your property. If possible lock your machinery away at night in a secure compound and ensure the keys are not left with the vehicle.”
Police advice on telehandler security:
- Ensure keys are taken out of all vehicles on your site.
- Consider fitting an immobiliser and tracking device to vehicles
- Consider installing CCTV
- Use security lighting in yards and drives
- Register all plant vehicles with the Cesar Security marking scheme at www.cesarscheme.org.
Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.