Stolen telehandler used in Co-op ram-raid

Taken from farm near Plympton

Investigations are continuing after two cashpoint machines were ripped out of a wall in Plympton.

Devon and Cornwall Police were alerted to reports of a 'ram-raid' at a Co-op store on Glen Road in the town before two o'clock in the morning on Monday 2 February. 

It is believed that the John Deere tele handler, which is pictured above, was used to smash through the wall at the shop. Two cashpoint machines were then removed from the building. 

The vehicle had been stolen from a nearby farm.

Detective Constable Andrew Trott-Rodgers said: “We believe four people were involved in the break-in, all were dressed in dark clothing and had their hoods up and faces covered.

“They arrived at the Co-op in stolen vehicles, all of which have since been discovered torched in a forest nearby at Sparkwell. The telehandler was left at the scene.

“We are appealing for information around any sightings of suspicious behaviour in the Smithaleigh area of Plympton near and around Piggeries Farm. We believe the telehandler was taken from the farm between 5.30pm on Sunday 1 February and 1.30am on Monday 2 February.

“We are also looking for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious in the early hours of the morning on Monday 2 February around Downfield Drive and Glen Road areas.

“We are asking residents who live in these areas, who we have not already spoken to, for doorbell camera footage, or anyone with dashcam footage to get in touch by calling 101 or by reporting online quoting 50260027042.”