Locked in: Burglars padlock Oswestry Police Station gates to target shop in town
Thieves padlocked the gates of Oswestry's police station while they carried out a raid on a cash machine in the town centre.
It is believed thousands of pounds were stolen from an ATM in Oswestry in the early hours of April 26.
But it is thought the suspects padlocked the gates to Oswestry Police Station to delay officers before targeting the cash machine at WH Smith in Cross Street.
West Mercia Police said the incident did not delay officers but they are carrying out investigations.
The padlock was discovered at about 3am as officers left the station to carry out routine patrols of the area.
Officers have viewed the CCTV which shows a vehicle pulling up outside the building in Park Street. The suspects then got out of the car and padlocked the gates before making off.
Safer Neighbourhood Team Inspector Tracy Ryan said: “Officers identified the padlock when they were leaving the station to carry out routine patrols and, fortunately, they were able to quickly cut it open and it didn’t delay them in attending an emergency or incident.
“We’re carrying out enquiries into the incident and looking at whether or not it is linked to the burglary at WH Smiths and would appeal for anyone with information to come forward and speak to us.”
Police received the report at 5.40am when a passer-by saw the damage to the shop.
Considerable damage was done and the shop was forced to close for the day while it was made secure.
It is being linked to a similar incident in Ludlow which took place earlier that night.
Four males in a black car were seen leaving a shop premises in New Road, Ludlow at about 1am on April 26.
Police say the doors were forced open, an office was raided and the cash machine was attacked.
Enquiries are on-going and anyone with information should contact West Mercia Police on 101 quoting reference 56S 260418.
Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org
