Ram raiders target Dagenham store
RAIDERS made off with a store cashpoint filled with up to �25,000 three minutes after smashing their van through its shutters. They repeatedly rammed the Renault van backwards at speeds of up to 25mph, knocking off the in-store ATM and trashing wine bottl
RAIDERS made off with a store cashpoint filled with up to �25,000 three minutes after smashing their van through its shutters.
They repeatedly rammed the Renault van backwards at speeds of up to 25mph, knocking off the in-store ATM and trashing wine bottles, beer and stock worth �7,000.
The ram raid at Commercial Wine in Lodge Avenue, Dagenham, came three days after two cash machines were wrenched off the frontage of Morrison in Wood Lane, Dagenham.
It is not known if the cashpoint thefts are linked. Police have not made any arrests and the white van has not been recovered.
The three burglars pounced on the off-licence on Friday at 4.45am. Securicor had filled the cash machine the previous afternoon.
The store's CCTV shows nearly the whole length of the van went through the shop on its first hit, before going back out then in again to clear the debris and out once more.
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Two of the burglars then loaded the 3ft high by 1ft wide cash machine into the van through its damaged back door.
Devastated shop staff said they had been left with a �20,000 bill, including �7,000 for a new window and shutters, �7,000 to pay for a new fridge and around �7,000 of stock.
Commercial Wine owner Thiru Chelvamoorthy, 40, said: "We've been hit before but not like that. It was a gunpoint robbery once before, two years ago. It's very scary."
Securicor declined to comment on the stolen cash but Commercial Wine said the ATM was normally filled with �25,000.
Police are continuing to probe the off-licence and Morrison raids. Anyone with information is urged to call on 020 8217 7735 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
