THE dramatic moment burglars stormed an Abingdon supermarket, cut the locks with an angle grinder, and attempt to blow up the ATM has been caught on CCTV.

A brazen gang were caught on camera pulling up outside Budgens in Peachcroft Road in a white Mercedes in the early hours on Monday.

Three people can be seen getting out the car before using an angle grinder to rip through the shop's front doors amid a shower of sparks.

Oxford Mail:

Once successfully inside the group attempt to steal the cash machine 'by using gas' according to Thames Valley Police.

According to guidance about ATM thefts from Police Scotland, released in December, gas has been used to blow cash machines from the wall.

The document states: "ATMs have been breached in situ by gas attack.

"The cash dispenser slot is broken and may also be stuffed with some sort of wadding, possibly dowsed in petrol. Gas is then piped into the device from cylinders and ignited from a distance."

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Despite the burglars dramatic attempts to steal the ATM, police said the gang's attempt was unsuccessful and they left the shop empty-handed.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information and said the raid happened between 4.35am and 4.40am on Monday.

Oxford Mail:

The force said the car involved was a distinctive white Mercedes which pulled up outside the shop. The car had a three-quarter black sun roof and black alloy wheels.

The burglars were wearing all dark-coloured clothing and dark face coverings.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Steph Barras-Thompson, of Force CID based at Abingdon police station, said: “We are releasing this footage as we hope that someone will recognise the distinctive vehicle that is shown.

“I am urging anybody who has any information relating to this incident, or who recognises the vehicle and who may have been driving it, to contact us."

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A staff member told the Oxford Mail the supermarket was closed briefly following the attempted raid on Monday morning, but is believed to have reopened by the afternoon and is running as normal.

Oxford Mail:

Google Maps image of Budgens, Abingdon

The raid is the latest attempt in a long line of ATM thefts in the county over the past year.

DC Barras-Thompson added: "We are currently keeping an open mind as to whether this is linked to other burglaries in the Thames Valley, but hope that the release of this footage will assist us in our investigation."

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101, and is asked to quote the reference number 43190173888