Stolen JCB smashes into Co-op in attempted ram-raid
Masked thieves tried to remove a cash machine with the stolen digger.
Brazen thieves used a stolen JCB digger in an attempted burglary at a shop in the early hours of the morning.
The Co-op store on Lichfield Road, Kings Bromley, was ram-raided by a group of masked thieves who attempted to remove the shop's cash machine from its outside wall.
The JCB, which is believed to have been stolen from a farm in Netherseal in Derbyshire, was left at the scene after officers interrupted the offenders, who fled in waiting vehicles just after 3.10am this morning.
Significant damage was caused to the Co-op building and structural engineers and the Highways Agency are attending today to review and carry out safety assessments.
Much of the shop's front wall was taken out by the digger and bricks, glass and metalwork were left strewn on the floor next to damaged bollards.
DS Michelle Banks of Staffordshire Police, said: “This is a serious crime resulting in substantial criminal damage to a property.
"Fortunately, the perpetrators were unsuccessful with their intended goal as the cash machine remains in situ and no money was stolen.
“Our officers remain at the scene and an investigation is on-going. If you witnessed these events or have any information that could assist us with our inquires, then please call us on 101 quoting incident number 60 of 2 August.”
