Co-op off Cranbrook High Street, reopens after digger ram-raid
14:47, 15 November 2019
updated: 14:49, 15 November 2019
A store which was badly damaged after thieves used a digger to rip out its cash machine has reopened today.
The Co-op in Cranbrook, off the High Street, was forced to close yesterday while structural assessments and forensic police investigations took place.
The JCB, which was stolen from a nearby building site, ploughed into the shop at around 2am on Thursday.
Police later returned it to its owner.
Witnesses claim the attack took just five minutes and police are hunting three suspects.
Officers recovered a car abandoned in a nearby road yesterday, thought to have been involved in the burglary, and are looking for a third vehicle believed to have been used in the crime.
The thieves stole a large amount of money during the raid.
A spokesman for Co-op said was is too early to confirm how much the repairs would cost and how long it would take to complete them.
He said: "We would like to apologise for any inconvenience and thank customers for their understanding and support at this time."
Across Kent there have been 13 ram raids this year, seven of which involved Co-op stores.
In the last three years, Co-op have invested £70 million in tackling crime at their stores, including the installation of remote monitored CCTV and SmartWater systems, which covers criminals in a spray containing a unique forensic signature that helps police track them down.
The company has been approached for comment as to the specific measures the Cranbrook store had in place.
Cllr Seán Holden, of Cranbrook ward, said it is believed some people in the town know who committed the crime and he urges people with information to contact the police.
Speaking about the ram raid, he said: "It shows a contempt for the community. There is no consideration for the loss and damage and the stress it causes people. I hope the other machines in the town don't suffer the same fate."
Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area between 1.30am and 2.30am should call 01622 604100, quoting reference 14-0072, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111.
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