Police investigating ATM theft in Markfield

Detectives are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to the police to come forward.

An investigation has begun after an ATM was stolen from a store in Markfield this morning.

Police received a call at 3.30am this morning (Monday 24 November) to report a vehicle, now known to be a telehandler, had been driven through the front of a premises in Chitterman Way.

The ATM was stolen from the outside of the store and was then loaded into a white pickup truck.

The truck left the scene – travelling in the direction of London Road. The telehandler was left at the location.

The pickup was later found abandoned and on fire in Humble Lane, Ratcliffe on the Wreake.

Leicestershire Police are appealing for any motorist, especially any with a dash cam, who may have been travelling through the north of the county in the early hours of this morning and may have seen the truck.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Allard said: “Our investigation into this burglary is in its early stages. We are working to piece together the movements of the telehandler and white pickup before the incident and the route those responsible took afterwards.

“The pickup was abandoned and on set fire around a 20-minute drive away from the scene. We were alerted to this by the fire service around 5.20am.

“We are appealing for anyone who was also travelling in and around these areas between 3.30 am and 5.20am and may have seen the truck to contact police.

“After setting the vehicle on fire, it is very likely the suspects will have made off in another vehicle. Were you in the area of Humble Lane around this time? Did you see anything that could assist us in catching the people responsible?

“The people involved have not only stolen the ATM but they have caused significant structural damage to the building. If you have any information, please come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting 25*687549 or reporting online at www.leics.police.uk. You can also pass information on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.