police-tape

Thieves who blew up a cash machine on a petrol station forecourt have been slammed as “extremely reckless” by a police detective inspector.

Warwickshire Police is appealing for witnesses after thieves blew up the ATM at a fuel station in Atherstone early on Thursday morning (10 June).

Police responded to a report of a suspected explosion at the Ratcliffe Road Service Station, Ratcliffe Road, Atherstone, at 1.38am. When officers arrived they found that the Cash Zone ATM had been destroyed and the contents removed.

Investigating officers have examined CCTV and are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.

Detective inspector Owen Fell said: “CCTV revealed a number of vehicles passing the Ratcliffe Road Service Station shortly before and after the explosion at 1.38am. If anyone has seen anything suspicious or has dash-cam footage that we can examine, we would urge you to please come forward.

“Obviously the use of explosives at a fuel station is extremely reckless and it is lucky that we are not dealing with far more serious consequences.”

Anyone with information that can help enquiries is urged to call 101 quoting incident 18 of 10 June 2021. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via its website.