ATM machines in Crowland and Long Sutton targeted by thieves

Cash machines in two South Holland towns have been targeted overnight in attempted raids using vehicles.

Attempts to break into ATM’s in both Crowland and Long Sutton were made using what appear to be stolen Land Rovers in the early hours of this Wednesday, May 6.

A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police, said: “The cashpoint at the Co-op, West Street, Long Sutton was attacked around 2.40am.

“The second cashpoint, at the Co-op, West Street, Crowland was attacked an hour later at 3.40am.

“A stolen Land Rover was used in the first attack at Long Sutton causing the front window of the Co-op store to be ripped out. We cannot confirm at this stage if any cash has been stolen.

“Around 4am this morning officers found a green Land Rover on fire at Hundreds Road. 

“During the second attack at Crowland a second stolen Land Rover was used to reverse into the store front but the offenders were unsuccessful in removing the ATM or stealing its contents.

“The Land Rover was left behind and the offenders are believed to have fled in a silver Skoda estate which has black spoke alloy wheels.

“The Land Rover had earlier been stolen from Crowland around 12.30am today.

“We are appealing for anyone who saw anything they believe may be connected to these incidents, any activity believed to be suspicious linked to either Land Rover vehicles or a silver Skoda estate, or the incidents themselves to get in touch.

“The investigations are at an early stage and we hope to update with further information later.”

Local county councillor Nigel Pepper told The Voice he’d been told the vehicle had been taken from an address in The Willows estate in the town.

A 4×4 was also used alongside a fork lift truck in a failed attempted to rob the ATM at the Crowland store in April 2019.

It’s believed to be the third attempted theft at the Crowland store in the last three years.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Co-op said the company would be working with police on their enquiries.

“We use guidance from the police, cash machine providers and security experts to ensure we are following the latest procedures and we have numerous security measures in place in our stores,” the spokesman said.

“Both our stores have reopened later that afternoon after a fantastic effort from our team.

“We have undertaken a number of temporary fixes and will carry out more work in coming weeks.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police by emailing force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk putting the reference Incident number in the subject – 29 of 6 May – Co-op, Long Sutton, Incident 34 of 6 May – Co-op, Crowland.

You can also ring 101, quoting reference Incident 29 of 6 May – Co-op, Long Sutton, Incident 34 of 6 May – Co-op, Crowland

Or you can ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.