Ram-raiding thieves successfully towed a cash machine out of the ground using a car in Teddington, London, after an initial attempt to smash it open with a hammer failed. The incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. on July 29.
CCTV footage captured a blue car reversing onto the pavement next to the ATM outside a Londis store. One suspect, wearing a beanie, jeans, and a black top, approached the machine and attempted to break it open with a hammer. After this effort proved unsuccessful, the suspect opened the vehicle's boot. He and the driver then attached white cables to the cash machine.
With the boot still open, the driver accelerated, tearing the ATM from the ground as the suspect watched. The suspect was later seen examining the ground where the machine had been, apparently searching for any dislodged cash.
During the theft, other individuals were seen passing by, including a woman engrossed in her phone and a bus and car that drove past the scene without apparent notice.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident and are seeking four men believed to be involved, despite only two appearing in the CCTV footage. An abandoned vehicle has been seized as part of the ongoing investigation. Police have appealed to the public for information, asking anyone with details to contact them on 101, quoting reference 302/29JUL, or to provide anonymous reports to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.