WOULD-BE thieves fled empty-handed after attempting to smash open a cash machine in Basingstoke.
Police officers were called to news-agent Centaur News, in Kingsclere Road, Houndmills, at 12.18am on Monday after being alerted by an alarm company.
It is believed the smash-and-grab raiders used iron bars to try to break through an ATM on the outside of the shop.
It does not appear that any cash was stolen but extensive damage was caused to the cash machine.
Officers want to hear from anybody who saw a dark-coloured BMW saloon in the area at the time of the incident.
On Monday morning, the damaged ATM was examined by a scene-of-crime officer, right, before it was removed and the hole boarded up.
Centaur News’ owners Steve Bremner, 59, and Rita Desai, 57, both from Brighton Hill, said the shop was not targeted.
Speaking on Monday, Mr Bremner said: “It has already affected us because people have not been able to stop outside, and people need the money to come into the shop.”
Anyone with information about the crime is urged to contact Sergeant Lisa Cronin, at Basingstoke police station, on 101.
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