Cashpoint ripped out of village supermarket with JCB

Witnesses reported seeing four men at the scene, using the JCB to remove the cash machine and load it onto the back of a truck

The theft happened at about 3.05am today (Tues) at the Co-op supermarket on Main Road, Great Glen.

The JCB was then simply abandoned at right angles to the shop, blocking the road, which has now been cordoned off by police.

The cash machine was subsequently found in the same street. A truck, believed to have been used in the incident, was later recovered in a street nearby.

Police believe that no money was actually stolen.

The Co-op’s burglar alarm was still wailing out early this morning, and passers-by said an automated voice from inside the shop was repeating “You have been detected. Police have been notified”.

A large, three metres square section of brick wall which surrounded the cash machine is now lying on the pavement.

The busy area was gridlocked this morning, and should be avoided by all traffic if possible.

Leicestershire Police said today (Tues) that officers were called to Main Street, in Great Glen after an alarm was activated at the Co-op.

A cordon remains in place in Main Street while initial enquiries are being conducted at the scene. Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who might have information about what happened.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting incident 34 of March 20.