Newly released video footage captures the dramatic moment when a group of thieves attempted to steal a cash machine by towing it away after a failed attempt to break into it with a hammer.
The audacious robbery took place in Teddington, located in southwest London, and was filmed by a young woman using her mobile phone in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Authorities are now searching for four suspects after discovering an abandoned vehicle linked to the crime.
Surveillance video shows one individual, dressed in a black top, jeans, and a beanie hat, trying to smash the back of the ATM with a hammer. Shortly after, another man is seen reversing a car from the busy street onto the pavement near the stand-alone cash machine situated outside a Londis store.
The same man and an accomplice are then observed attaching cables to the ATM, which they retrieved from the car’s trunk. Moments later, the vehicle speeds away, forcibly pulling the cash machine from its spot on the pavement and onto the street, causing sparks to fly.
One of the perpetrators remains at the scene, holding a hammer as bystanders express confusion over the incident. Despite no arrests being made, the police have taken possession of the abandoned vehicle believed to be involved in the theft.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police disclosed, “Investigations are ongoing regarding the theft of a cash machine from a shop on Kingston Road, Teddington, at 00:53 hours on Wednesday, July 29. Efforts are underway to identify the four individuals suspected of being behind the crime.”
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the police by dialing 101 and quoting reference number 302/29JUL. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, using the same reference number.