An attempt to steal a cash machine from a convenience store in Elstead failed this morning after the tow bar of the thieves car was ripped off while they tried to escape.
The offenders smashed their way into a convenience store on The Green at 4:20 am.
They attached a heavy duty towing strap around the cash machine and connected the strap to a small red car.
When the suspects attempted to drive away the tow bar of their car broke off leaving the cash machine damaged but still inside the shop.
The suspects then made off at high speed on the A3 towards Milford.
Detective Constable Andy Skoglund is appealing for anyone who may have seen a small red car in the vicinity of The Green to contact him with any details. He said: "I would urge any members of the public who may have information in relation to this crime, which caused more than £2,000 worth of damage to this local store which is an important community facility, to call me".
"Similarly if anyone spots the car – which is easily recognisable from the damage to its rear and tow bar – either abandoned or parked up locally, please call Surrey Police. You may have a detail which could help officers locate those responsible for this offence and bring them to justice".
"Crimes of this nature ultimately affect the whole community and in the current economic climate small shopkeepers find such incidents particularly difficult."
Neighbourhood Commander Inspector Tom Budd said: "This is an audacious crime which is distressing for the shop keepers and the neighbourhood. Incidents of this nature are extremely rare in the village and I would reassure people that the Safer Neighbourhood Team is aware and patrolling in the area."
Please contact Surrey Police with any information by calling 101 and quoting reference WV/13/907. Alternatively the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 088 555 111.
