JCB ramraid attack on Sheffield village supermarket

The failed attempt to remove a cash machine took place at 3am today at the Co-op in Union Street in Harthill, near Sheffield.

Despite attacking it with several vehicles, the suspects were unable to remove the machine and reportedly left the scene a short time later, according to South Yorkshire Police.

Police said in a statement: “A Mazda flatbed pick-up type vehicle was recovered close by.

“A number of police resources were sent to the scene after members of the public reported the suspicious activity. Enquiries are continuing in the community.”

On December 9, a JCB was used to steal a cash machine during a similar incident at a Co-op on High Street in Blyth, near Worksop in north Nottinghamshire. The offenders escaped with a safe in a Toyota Hilux.

South Yorkshire Police said today that they were aware of the December 9 incident and were “keeping an open mind” as to whether the latest raid was linked to any others.

Locals took to Twitter this morning to express their outrage at the attack. Rotherham councillor Dominic Beck described it as “a disgraceful act of crime in Harthill”.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or witnessed vehicles driving at speed in the area before and after the incident, should call police on 101 quoting incident number 65 of 8 January 2015. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.