AN automatic teller machine was the target of thieves who rammed their way into the Westpoint IGA store in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
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Two men used a stolen Toyota Landcruiser to smash their way into the supermarket before trying, unsuccessfully, to drag the ATM from the store.
After reversing through the store’s glass facade the thieves made a number of attempts to steal the ATM.
When police arrived at the store they found major damage to the front area.
- Inspector Gerard Powell
First they tried to drag it from the store by tying a rope and then a chain around the teller machine, but were unsuccessful in their bid to steal the ATM.
Police allege the pair then drove the stolen 4WD to Blayney where they stole cash from a car wash before ram raiding another business, the Stihl Shop Blayney in Burns Street.
The men reversed through a roller door before making off with 11 chainsaws worth more than $10,000.
Chifley local area command duty officer Inspector Gerard Powell said police were called to the IGA Westpoint at 1.45am.
“Police responded to an alarm being activated and when they arrived at the store found major damage to the front area,” Inspector Powell said.
“There were tyre marks out the front and damage to the ATM.”
Inspector Powell said police reviewed CCTV footage and saw two men attempting to remove the ATM from the store before getting back in the stolen 4WD and driving off after a couple of unsuccessful attempts.
Inspector Powell said a short time later police were notified of a theft at a car wash in Blayney, which was followed by another ram raid at a business in Burns Street where the chainsaws were stolen.
Inspector Powell said the Landcruiser used in the ram raids was stolen from Newbridge Street, Blayney on Tuesday night and has yet to be recovered.
He said forensic officers went to all three businesses on Wednesday and police were continuing to review CCTV from all three locations.
“Inquiries are continuing,” Inspector Powell said.
“If anyone knows the whereabouts of the Landcruiser, rego number WKR 782, please contact Bathurst police.”
Inspector Powell said the two men being sought by police were wearing dark clothing and caps at the time of the ram raids.
“Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Bathurst police on 6332 8699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
IGA operations manager George Nicholls said he and other senior management got the call in the early hours of Wednesday morning to tell them the store had been ram raided.
“We were told they tried to steal the ATM but were unsuccessful,” Mr Nicholls said.
“They caused a lot of damage to the front of the shop. It’s all cleaned up now and we are operational again.
“From the CCTV footage they are not the brightest boys in the world.
“They tried to use a rope and then a chain and drag the ATM from the store, but were unsuccessful.”