Police CCTV appeal after ram raid at Corsham Co-op

A pair of would-be burglars have caused extensive damage after driving their van into the front of a Co-op store in Corsham in a bid to steal a cash machine.

Wiltshire Police have released CCTV images after the incident, which happened at around 11.15pm last night at the shop in Macie Drive, on the Katherine Park estate.

A blue VW Transport van, which had been stolen from the Chippenham area on Christmas Eve, was reversed several times into the front doors of the shop.

One man tried to remove a cashpoint machine inside the Co-op, but ran off when he realised that it could not be moved.

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They then drove off at speed but dumped the van a short distance away in the Freestone Way area.

It is believed that the two men then escaped in another vehicle.

Det Sgt Simon Pope, from Melksham CID, appealed for anyone who may have seen anything to get in touch.

He said: “We are very keen to hear from anyone who might have seen a white car being driven suspiciously in the Katherine Park area late on Thursday night.

“It was seen driving off at speed after the attempted burglary.

“We are looking for two men who were wearing dark clothing and hooded tops.

“Nothing was taken in the incident, but extensive damage was caused to the shop front.”

The man pictured in the CCTV was wearing a hood or hat which had distinctive horizontal stripes.

Gareth Lewis, protection and audit services manager from The Southern Co-operative, said: "The Corsham co-operative food store was the victim of a ram-raid robbery attempt last night.

"Those involved attempted to remove the ATM but were unsuccessful and left without taking any stock or cash.

"Our main concern at all times is the safety of our colleagues and customers and thankfully the store was closed at the time of the incident.

"We are currently assessing the extent of the damage caused to the structure of the building and will open as soon as possible, maintaining customer service and safety as our number one priority."

Anyone with information is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 101 and ask for Melksham CID. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers UK anonymously on 0800 555111.