AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into a failed attempt to steal a cash machine.
Police are appealing for witnesses to a series of events that are potentially linked.
The incidents started sometime between 11pm on June 6 and 2am yesterday when burglars stole the keys to a silver Ford flatbed van from an address in Withley Road in Atherstone before escaping with the van.
Some time over the same night thieves also visited a farm on Lindon Road in Polesworth.
They took a JCB digger, driving it across fields and through fences on to Leadon Road, then turning left on to High Street in Polesworth.
At 2am yesterday morning a black Audi was then used in a burglarly at the Centurion Service Station on the A5.
One witness reported seeing two masked men smashing the door before stealing an unknown quantity of cigarettes.
They drove off in a dark coloured saloon towards Grendon.
At 2.30am, thieves drove to Bridge Street in Polesworth and used the JCB vehicle to pull the cash machine from the wall of the Spar causing structural damage to the property.
It is believed that the thieves were trying to steal the cash machine, but failed in their attempt and the ATM was left at the scene with the JCB and a silver flatbed van.
A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police said: “Early witness reports indicate three men made off in a black Audi towards Warton following the incident.
“The three males are described as wearing dark clothing and either balaclavas or scarves covering their faces.
“Officers made an immediate search of surrounding roads and are checking CCTV and appealing for any witnesses who may have seen thieves attempting to steal the ATM or who witnessed any of the previous incidents.”
Police are also investigating the possible links to an incident that happened at Tesco petrol station in Bedworth just after midnight on June 6.
A gang of three males broke into the garage and stole cigarettes before driving off in a Black Audi A3.
Any witnesses are asked to contact DC 1950 Mark Rafferty on 01926 415 000 ext 3210 or 3206.
Alternatively, information can be passed on through Crimestoppers, which is free from a landline and confidential, on 0800 555 111.
