Supermarket in Reading targeted by ram raiders
Police say attempted raid could be linked to similar ones in Wokingham
A supermarket in part of Tilehurst has been targeted in a suspected ram raid.
The store that was targeted was the Co-operative Food in the Overdown Road shopping precinct.
David Roth, who lives nearby, reported the incident just before 9am today (Tuesday, February 14).
Mr Roth said: “The Co-Op in Tilehurst has been hit in a ram raid overnight.
“I went up there to get a newspaper and lottery tickets and it was all sealed off.
“There was no police presence, the store was in complete darkness.
“The shutters have been bent quite badly, which would indicate a forklift truck has been driven in and they tried to raise the shutter with a forklift, but the ATM seems to be ok.”
The Co-Op is located in the Overdown Road shopping precinct in Tilehurst, which also has an Asian Spice restaurant, a pharmacy, a surgery and a café.
Police have made a witness appeal.
A Police spokesperson said:
“Thames Valley Police is investigating a burglary in Overdown Road, Tilehurst, which occurred overnight.
"Officers were alerted to an ATM being attacked at the Co-operative store on Overdown Road at approximately 3.40am this morning (14/2).
"It is believed that gas was pumped into the ATM and an attempt was made to steal the machine, but the attempt failed.
"Anybody who witnessed the incident, or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area at around the time of the incident is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or via the force website, quoting reference number 43230068385.
“We are keeping an open mind as to whether this incident is linked to two similar incidents in Wokingham on Sunday.”