Digger used in ram raid - further update

Published 8 Sep 2010 09:15

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A MECHANICAL digger was driven into a building society branch in an attempted ram raid this morning.

Crowthorne High Street was closed until 11.30am after a stolen old-style yellow JCB was driven into the Nationwide branch. The culprits then made off empty-handed in two getaways cars, one of which hit a parked police car with an officer in it, who was unhurt.

Det Sgt Paul Quinton, leading the investigation, said: “Although extensive damage was caused to the front of the premises by the JCB digger, neither the cash machine nor any of its content were stolen. We are currently reviewing CCTV as part of our investigation, and are pursuing a number of other lines of enquiry.

“We have had a good response from the local community, with many people coming forward with information, particularly at the time of the incident."

He added: “The two getaway cars remain outstanding and I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward. We believe that one of these cars was a light blue Nissan pick-up truck.

“We now know that the JCB was stolen from Blackbushe Market, Surrey, during the early hours of this morning and that this vehicle and the two getaway vehicles travelled to the High Street in convoy. I am eager to hear from anyone who may have seen the digger travelling from Hampshire or the three vehicles travelling together.”

No arrests have been made yet.

Nationwide spokeswoman Tina Coates said: “We are aware that an incident took place at the Crowthorne branch in the early hours of this morning. We cannot give any further comment because this is subject to further investigation.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any other information, is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Paul Quinton via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This article appeared in Villager 08 Sep 10

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