A cash machine was ripped from the front of a convenience store in Hertfordshire in the early hours of Thursday (June 18), in what police believe could be linked to a series of recent ram raids targeting ATMs across the region.
Accoring to media reports, the front of Whitehorse Convenience Store in Whitehorse Street, Baldock, was severely damaged after a group of masked men used multiple vehicles to remove the ATM from the premises.
Police officers were called at 3.40am on Thursday to reports of a ram raid in Whitehorse Street, Baldock.
It is believed four men wearing balaclavas used multiple vehicles to remove an ATM from the front of the convenience store. The incident left a Nissan Micra flipped onto its side, causing significant damage at the scene.
Three vehicles are understood to have been involved in the raid, including a JCB telehandler, a flatbed truck and a white Audi.
The incident comes just days after similar cash machine thefts were reported in neighbouring Cambridgeshire, prompting investigators to explore possible links between the attacks.
Officers in Cambridgeshire were called at 4.57am on 17 June following reports that a stolen telehandler, along with two other vehicles, had been used to remove a cash machine from the front of the Ness Road supermarket.
Detective Inspector Jim Donington said police were treating the incidents seriously.
"We understand incidents like this are concerning for local residents, particularly given this is the second ram raid in the county in two days. Dedicated patrols are in place and we are actively investigating both incidents," he said.
"We would urge anyone who sees suspicious behaviour, or who knows of vehicles that may have been stolen or are being used in unusual circumstances, to report this to us. Information from the public is vital in helping us prevent further offences and identify those responsible."
Police are appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage, doorbell recordings and CCTV footage from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the areas around the time of the incidents.
The latest incidents follow another ram raid in the region, in which a cash machine was stolen from a building society in Ramsey.
Police were called at 3.17am on 16 June to the Nationwide Building Society in High Street after reports that a stolen telehandler, along with two other vehicles, had been used to remove a cash machine from the front of the premises.
Officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, saw suspicious vehicles or activity in the area at the time, or has dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that could assist the investigation.
The series of incidents has raised fresh concerns over the growing boldness and sophistication of organised criminal gangs targeting cash machines and retail premises across the region.