DETECTIVES believe a gang is behind a series of attempted cash machine thefts at petrol stations in north Hampshire.

The latest took place in the early hours of Tuesday, May 22 at the Texaco garage in London Road, Hook.

Police found the cash machine had been taking out of its housing and was lying on the garage forecourt. No cash was stolen.

The botched theft is being linked to another in Odiham in the early hours of Monday, April 30, at the Texaco garage in Dunleys Hill.

A Mitsubishi Shogun, stolen from outside a house in Springfield Avenue, Hartley Wintney, was used in the attempt and later found burned out in Bagwell Lane, Winchfield.

Detectives also believe the gang targeted a Texaco garage in Reading Road, Yateley, on Friday, May 18. The cash machine was removed but later found abandoned nearby. No money was taken.

Detective Inspector Darren Barrett, of Aldershot police station, said: “We believe the offenders are using 4x4-type vehicles try and pull the cash machines out of their housing, which would cause a considerable amount of noise and disturbance.”

Anyone with information can contact Detective Constable Sarah Moyce-Phillips at Aldershot police station on 101.