Burglars tried to blow open cash machine at Co-op in Leicestershire village
Burglars tried to blow open a cash machine by pouring an explosive substance into it and igniting it.
Two intruders broke into the Co-Op, in Dog and Gun Lane, Whetstone, last week when the store was closed.
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Police are appealing for witnesses to call 101 or Crimestoppers after the robbery bid in Whetstone
It is understood they managed to feed an unknown gas or liquid into the shop's cash machine using a tube, then ignited it.
However, the blast did not open the machine as they had anticipated and the men fled empty-handed.
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A security industry source said the method was virtually unheard of in this country.
He said: "It's common in other countries, including South Africa, but not here.
"There would be widespread concern in the industry if we started to see cases such as this become common here.
"In other countries, it has caused loss of life.
"Obviously, putting explosive material into a confined space and igniting it is potentially a very dangerous thing to do.
"There's also the risk it could incinerate the money inside the machine.
"These machines and their anti-theft devices are quite robust and they seem to have done their job in this case.
"Because of security characteristics of these machines, they tend to be very unattractive to criminals."
Whetstone district councillor Karl Coles said: "I've never heard of anything like this before. It's very worrying because somebody could have been seriously injured.
"It sounds like they have failed because they didn't use enough of the substance. The concern is they will do this again but next time use more."
Leicestershire Police are investigating the break-in, which happened at 12.05am on Wednesday.
A spokeswoman said: "It is not believed anything was taken in the incident.
"Officers would like to speak to anyone who was passing through the area and saw anything suspicious."
A spokesman for Midlands Co-operative said: "Two men forced entry into the store and attempted to break into the ATM.
"Our prevention measures were activated and the men left with nothing. No colleagues or customers were involved in this incident and we are working with the police on their investigation."
Contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555111.
7 Comments
by llamalamb
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 6:34PM
“Thank you Leicester Mercury for publishing the details for our criminal fraternity.”
by ZooLander
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 12:40PM
“Armatures, homemade explosives I am guessing?”
by Graham_LE8
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 11:01AM
“Can't help but feel the LM, by revealing details of this technique, may have instigated a series of future copycat attempts by miscreats who would not otherwise have thought of it...”
by unbiased
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 10:26AM
“we are heading towards some sort of anarchy and its picking up momentum fast!”
by MartinLFE
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 9:44AM
“I agree with both comments there. What can we do to reduce crime in this city?”
by Kohelet
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 9:28AM
“Not having a job is never a reason to commit crime, it is a pathetic excuse by individuals who would probably still break the law even if employed”
by City_C10
Tuesday, March 19 2013, 9:08AM
“Leicester is suffering so much from crime in recent weeks. I feel people in Leicester feel there are not many jobs/employment opportunities and therefore taking up small crime? I feel the Mayor of Leicester might need to try to create jobs ASAP with his projects to reduce crime in Leicester.”