Witnesses are being sought by Bedfordshire Police after a petrol station cashpoint was stolen by thieves on Friday night (July 19).

The raid happened at around 11.25pm at Stotfold Service Station in Arlesey Road, Stotfold, when three offenders used a stolen digger from a field opposite to lift the cash machine out of position.

The thieves then loaded the cashpoint into the back of a white Ford Transit van – which had been stolen from Essex and had the false number plate BT11CTB – and may have had its roof removed.

The offenders then left the area in the van which was later discovered in Chapelfields in Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire, with the ATM still on board. It is not yet known how much money was removed.

Detective constable Barry Kerr, who is investigating the raid, is keen to hear from anybody who may have seen the raid taking place or from anyone who may have seen the offenders travelling towards, and then abandoning the vehicle, in Gamlingay.

DC Kerr said: “This appears to have been a well organised and well executed raid which involved the thieves seemingly modifying a transit van so that the cashpoint could be lowered into it quickly and without any trouble.

“I’m keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the raid or has any information about the offenders. Even the smallest bit of information could help us with our inquiries.”

He said he could be contacted on 01234 275142, the non-emergency 101 number, or information could be texted to 07786 200011.

Alternatively information could be given to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.