Thieves use forklift to steal ATM from Gretna
The ATM is believed to contain a five figure sum of cash.
An ATM has been stolen from outside a convenience store in Gretna in the early hours of this morning.
Police were called around 2.45am after three people wearing balaclavas used an industrial Manitou forklift to remove the cash machine from the wall of the Cooperative Store on Annan Road.
It is understood that the forklift was stolen from a nearby farm prior to the incident.
The building has been left with extensive damage.
The three suspects made off from the scene in a stolen silver coloured Vauxhall Vectra motor car, which had been adapted to fit the ATM in the boot, heading along Surrone Road onto Loanwath Road.
The ATM is believed to contain a five figure sum of cash.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Burnie from Dumfries CID said: "Enquiries are at an early stage to trace the individuals involved in this reckless incident and I am appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist our investigation.
"Detectives are currently carrying out extensive enquiries including examining CCTV and speaking to local residents. I would ask anyone living in the area who saw or heard anything suspicious, and is yet to speak to police, to please get in touch.
"I would appeal to anyone who saw a forklift or a silver Vectra car in the area in the early hours of this morning to please get in touch. I would also ask any motorists with dashcams, or residents with CCTV, to check in case they have captured any footage which could be of significance.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Dumfries CID via 101.”