A Merseyside Co-Op was targeted overnight in an attempted "ram raid".
The store on Fylde Road in Southport was the subject of an attempted burglary, police have confirmed. The attempted burglary took place in the early hours of today when officers were called to reports that the cash machine at the Co-op on Fylde Road had been broken into, but nothing was stolen.
It was reported that tools had been used to break into the shop before attacking the cash machine inside the store and pulling out using a vehicle. They then fled towards Water Lane in a black car.
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A transit van was left at the scene and has since been recovered for forensic examination. An investigation has now been launched with officers remaining at the scene to continue their enquiries.
Detective Inspector Jay Halpin said: “Thankfully no one was hurt while the offenders targeted the cash machine, and nothing was stolen. Business thefts are not victimless crimes, and especially when small businesses like this provide an important service for the community and inconveniencing residents who depend on their local shop.
“I urge any witnesses who saw suspicious activity on Fylde Road in the early hours of this morning, or any drivers that may have captured dashcam footage then please get in touch so we can bring them to justice.”
People took to social media earlier today labelling the events as a ram raid. One person posted in a local Facebook group: "Co-Op on Fylde Road has been rammed by a van overnight and there is a police cordon around it."
Please contact Merseyside Police's social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with reference 061 of 18 March or call 101. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
