POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a digger caused “substantial” damage to Denmead Co-op while removing a cash point in what one local businessman says was a “well planned” raid.

The ’ram-and-grab’ happened at about 1.30am this morning (Wednesday, October 3) and the digger, one was stolen in East Meon earlier in the evening, was abandoned outside the shop.

Dean Murch of Glasstec opposite the Co-op in Hambledon Road believes a highly organised gang orchestrated and carried out the robbery.

He said: “The cash point was refilled just hours before the raid I was told, so this isn’t an opportunist theft, it was well planned to gain the perpetrators the maximum return.

“The cash machine was standalone inside the shop with the face from which you got your money surrounded by the shop front, so the damage to the shop probably wasn’t structural.”

Although it was business as usual at Glasstec, and other nearby shops, the Co-op was still closed early Wednesday afternoon while workmen made the building secure for the night.

One owner of a business close by the Co-op said the incident had left people feeling nervous and uneasy.

Hampshire Constabulary Sergeant Stuart Gilmour said: “We know that this incident will cause some concern to the local community.

“I would like to reassure residents that we take such incidents seriously, and an investigation has begun and officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be patrolling the area.”

A police spokesman added “A digger was left at the scene and part of the cash machine, including cash boxes, had been stolen, and substantial damage has been caused to the front of the store.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.”

A Ford Transit van, thought to have been used in the burglary, was later recovered near Old Winchester Hill, the spokesman also said.

Witnesses are asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 44180371753.