Man Arrested After Attempted ATM Theft, Broadway

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after thieves attempted to steal a cashpoint machine from a bank in Broadway in the early hours of today.

At around 5.15am this morning, a group of men were disturbed by members of the public as they were attempting to dislodge the ATM outside the HSBC in Broadway High Street by ramming it with a white Mitsubishi Pajero 4x4.

When they were spotted, they made off in two vehicles, leaving two other vehicles at the scene - the Pajero and a green Toyota Hilux pickup truck, which inquiries have since found were both stolen.

At around 5.30am at the nearby village of Cleeve Prior, officers intercepted a Ford Transit van, which has been converted into a horsebox, that was seen in Broadway. They arrested a man in his 30s, who is currently in custody at Worcester Police Station.

However, three others who drove off in a dark-coloured estate car from Broadway at speed have yet to be traced.

Detective Sergeant Craig Tennant said: "This was an audacious attempt to steal an ATM in an otherwise very peaceful town. Thankfully they were unsuccessful.

"We are questioning the man arrested and I would like the public's help tracing all those involved.

"If local people saw any suspicious activity in the High Street over the last 24 hours, then we would like to speak to them, especially if they were up and about in the early hours of this morning.

"We would like to speak to anyone who saw a large estate car driving at speed in the Broadway area this morning."

Det Sgt Tennant can be contacted via the non-emergency police number 101 or information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote the reference number 22N 170812

Issued: Friday 17 August 2012