A Co-op store in Debenham has been targeted by ram raiders overnight - the second time the store has been struck by thieves this month.
Police were called to the Co-op, on Chancery Lane, at around 4am today, Monday, February 26.
A police spokeswoman said a JCB had been used to remove the ATM,
She said: “Offenders used a stolen white Isuzu pickup to carry the ATM away.
“Officers located this vehicle close to Mendlesham with the ATM on the back.
“No entry had been gained to it.”
She added that offenders making off from the pickup in Mendlesham were later spotted getting into a Silver Audi A5 which was known to have been stolen from an address in Harefield, Long Melford, at around 10.40pm on Saturday, February 24.
Parish Council chairman Steve Palframan was shocked to hear of the raid.
“It is absolutely horrendous,” he said.
“It is the last thing anyone wants in the community of our sort.
“I hope the police can get the culprits.
“The store is such an valuable service, especially for the generation that like to use cash.
“It is the elderly and the young who suffer more than anyone else.”
Lee Hammond, head of security at the East of England Co-op, said: “I can confirm that a ram raid took place at our food store in Debenham earlier this morning (Monday February 26).
“The store is currently closed whilst Scenes of Crime Officers carry out their investigations, before repairs are made and the store is reopened.
“Our state-of-the-art alarm receiving centre enables us to monitor each of our stores 24 hours a day, and we’ve introduced further security measures. We have our own security team who were able to respond swiftly, along with the police.
“Anyone with information should contact Suffolk or Essex Police, or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”
This is the second time within the month the Co-op in Debenham has been targeted by thieves.
On Thursday, February 1, offenders gained entry to the shop by smashing the front door window , making off with a quantity of cigarettes.
Police are urging anyone who saw suspicious activity in these areas or who has seen the silver Audi A5 to call 101 quoting incident 25 February 25 and 26.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here