Cash strewn across Co-op store after raiders with power tools steal cash machine
Yobs raided a supermarket before before using power tools to steal the cash machine from the wall.
A police investigation is under way after the raid at the Co-operative Food store in Wildwood, Stafford this morning.
Members of the public reported hearing loud bangs and power tools being used at about 2.25am.
The thieves are believed to have fled the scene.
Part of the store was sectioned off by police tape today as officers made enquiries into the incident.
Notes of cash can be seen pictured scattered across the floor inside the shop around the back of the ATM and the supermarket appeared to have been ransacked.
An unnamed resident, who lives on the Wildwood estate and went to the store early this morning, said: "I was talking to someone who works there.
"They said there was a loud explosion at around 2am in the morning.
"Then she heard angle grinders being used to remove the cash point off the wall. It's crazy what's happened."
Officers say it is not yet known how much cash was stolen during the incident.
Staffordshire Police is appealing following the raid, and is urging anyone who witnessed or knows anything about it to come forward.
A spokesperson for Central England Co-operative said: “We can confirm there was an incident at our Wildwood food store in the early hours of this morning July 5 involving the ATM.
“The store is trading as usual, although the damage to the ATM means there is no access to a cash machine.
“We are giving our full support to the Police while they investigate this matter.”
Meanwhile, a Staffordshire Police spokesman added: "We were called to reports of a theft of an ATM at the Co-operative Food store on Wildwood Shopping Centre in Stafford at around 2:25am this morning.
"Members of the public reported hearing loud bangs and power tools being used and then the offenders are believed to have fled the scene.
"At this point of time the amount of money stolen is unclear. If you witnessed the incident or know anything about it, please call 101 quoting incident number 67 of July 5.
"Alternatively, for guaranteed anonymity, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
