Police are appealing for information following an attempted ATM raid at the Waitrose supermarket in Portswood, Southampton, in the early hours of Monday morning.
Officers were called to the store on Portswood Road at around 4:15am (19 August) after reports that three individuals were trying to force entry to a cash machine using a van. The suspects, all wearing balaclavas, fled the scene on foot when police arrived. No money was taken from the ATM, and officers say the attempt was unsuccessful.
The van believed to have been used in the incident—a white Citroën Relay—had previously been reported stolen. Detectives believe it was parked up somewhere between 10 August and the early hours of Monday before being used in the attempted theft.
Police are urging anyone who saw the van in the days leading up to the incident, or who may have information about its whereabouts, to come forward. The vehicle is described as having a dark blue or black solid design across the rear doors and both sides, a faded ‘GREENER’ logo (possibly alongside a house icon) on the passenger-side sliding door, and the website ‘www.greenrestore.co.uk’ printed on a dark panel on the passenger side. It also has noticeable damage near the rear wheel arch, including crumpled bodywork and a missing black side bumper.
Detective Inspector Sarah Mills, of Southampton CID, said: “We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen this van parked up or being driven in the Portswood area between 10 August and the early hours of today. Any information, no matter how small, could help our investigation.”
A police cordon is currently in place outside Waitrose while forensic teams examine the scene. Officers are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, quoting reference 44250234321, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
