ATM thieves ram into Markfield shopfront with telehandler

Police are investigating after thieves used a telehandler to smash into a shop and steal a cash machine.

Leicestershire Police said it received a call at 03:30 GMT on Monday to report a vehicle had been driven through the front of the shop in Chitterman Way, Markfield.

The cash machine was then loaded into a white pick-up truck, which was later found abandoned and on fire in Humble Lane, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, which is about a 20-minute drive from the scene.

The force said an investigation was in its early stages and urged anyone with information to come forward.

The white truck left the scene, travelling in the direction of London Road, while the telehandler was left outside the shop, police said.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service alerted police to the abandoned, burning vehicle in Humble Lane at 05:20.

Det Ch Insp Tom Allard said it was working to “piece together” the movements of the vehicles involved.

“After setting the vehicle on fire, it is very likely the suspects will have made off in another vehicle,” he said.

“The people involved have not only stolen the ATM but they have caused significant structural damage to the building.”

The force has asked anyone travelling in the area between 03:30 and 05:20, and who might have seen the pick-up truck, to get in touch.

Chitterman Way remains shut, police say.