Chiddingfoldnews March 3, 2013
Issue Date: 26/02/2013
The offenders smashed their way into the convenience store on The Green at 4.20am and put a heavy duty towing strap around the stand alone cash machine and attached it to the towing bar on a small red car. When the suspects got into the vehicle and drove away the tow bar was torn off and the cash machine was damaged but remained inside the shop. After the failed theft, the offenders made off at speed towards the A3 at Milford.
Detective Constable Andy Skoglund investigating is appealing for anyone who may have seen a small red car in the vicinity of The Green to contact him with any details. He said: "I would urge any members of the public who may have information in relation to this crime, which caused more than £2,000 worth of damage to this local store which is an important community facility, to call me. Similarly if anyone spots the car – which is easily recognisable from the damage to its rear and tow bar – either abandoned or parked up locally, please call Surrey Police. You may have a detail which could help officers locate those responsible for this offence and bring them to justice. Crimes of this nature ultimately affect the whole community and in the current economic climate small shopkeepers find such incidents particularly difficult.”
Neighbourhood Commander Inspector Tom Budd said: "This is an audacious crime which is distressing for the shop keepers and the neighbourhood. Incidents of this nature are extremely rare in the village and I would reassure people that the Safer Neighbourhood Team is aware and patrolling in the area.”