Bungling thieves target Rough Close post office ATM

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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BUNGLING burglars failed to steal a cash machine containing around £15,000 from a shop – because it was too heavy for them to lift into their getaway vehicle.

The four masked men broke into the Post Office before attaching straps to the ATM and then dragging it outside using a Land Rover 4x4.

But the cash machine was left abandoned on the road outside because it weighed too much.
The raiders caused around £5,000 worth of damage during the break-in at Rough Close Post Office and Convenience Store, Rough Close, at 4am yesterday.

Now Staffordshire Police are hunting the four burglars and two cars used in the raid.

Shopkeeper Kash Moore, who has run the Grindley Lane shop with wife Daljit for five years, said: "We got a phone call from a neighbour telling us what had happened and when we got to the store we just saw the yellow straps in the road and next to them was the ATM. It had the sign 'Free Cash' on it too.

"After all their planning it must have been too heavy to get into the vehicle."

The 48-year-old father-of-three, of Blurton, added: "We are grateful to the support that people have shown us."

Post Office manager Joy Challinor, aged 53, of Meir Heath, said: "It doesn't look like they tried to get anything from the Post Office, it was just the ATM they were after.

"There were just items smashed all over the floor.

"Our customers have been very concerned and calling in to see what has happened."

Friends and relatives yesterday helped to carry out repairs to the shop after the cash machine was dragged along an aisle stocked with goods. Workers have also rebuilt the door frame.

The raiders used a stolen Land Rover – with the registration number LT13 YCA – to drag the cash machine out of the shop.

The 4x4 was later seen travelling in convoy with a white Audi A3, with the registration plate VA13 PE0, towards Barlaston.
It is believed the plates were copied from another vehicle.

A police spokesman said: "Four men wearing balaclavas broke into the Post Office and fastened straps around the freestanding cash machine. They then used a grey Land Rover to pull it outside.

"The offenders' efforts to lift the ATM into the Land Rover failed and they fled the scene empty-handed, leaving it in the road."
Witnesses should call Detective Constable Steve Prince on 101, quoting incident number 61 of October 11, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

[Lounge Lizard]

"Shopkeeper Kash Moore said: "the ATM had the sign 'Free Cash' on it too"

[Shambles]

"Shopkeeper Kash Moore said: "the ATM had the sign 'Free Cash' on it too"

[UnhappyGremlin]

Another well planned heist.

Is it me, or are criminals just idiots these days?