Detectives are appealing after thieves tried to swipe a cash machine from a co-op store in Appleton

Detectives investigating an attempted robbery at the Co-op convenience store in Appleton last night (Tuesday) are seeking information after thieves used a chain attached to a car to try and coax an ATM out of the premises.

Two men in a car pulled up outside the Co-op on Dudlow Green Road and attempted to gain access to the ATM. The men placed a heavy chain around the machine using the car to drag it out of the store, but were unsuccessful.

The couple, wearing balaclavas and dressed in black tracksuits and trainers, then fled in the vehicle which was found abandoned nearby. The incident happened shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31.

Detective Constable Ian Morris, from the local Warrington Police Unit, said: ‘We believe the men came prepared to rob the cash machine but it failed and they quickly fled the area.
“We are carrying out numerous investigations and as part of the investigation we are asking anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage who may be able to help us get in touch.
“I would also like to appeal to anyone with information or who has been able to see what happened here to contact the police.”

This is the second incident on the premises of the cooperative this year. In January, two members of staff were forced into the store as it closed last night, by two men armed with a large knife and a hammer, demanding cash and cigarettes.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage is asked to contact Cheshire Police online https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tell-us or via 101 quoting IML 1282598.
Information can also be provided by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.