Police chained in before robbery

9:51am Friday 20th July 2001

RAMRAIDERS chained up police station gates before smashing a stolen vehicle into a bank.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the raid on July 10 at HSBC Bank in High Street, Thame.

At least four offenders used a black Range Rover to smash their way into the bank's foyer, which contained two cash machines, at about 1.30am.

One of the ATMs was pulled out of the bank, attached to the Range Rover, and dragged along High Street into Park Street.

Police say it is likely this vehicle was accompanied by other stolen vehicles, which possibly included a green Austin Montego, stolen from lower High Street and left close to the bank.

The ramraiders chained up the Thame Police Station gates to stop a chase. Police forced their way out.

Det Sgt Angus Palmer, of Thame CID, said: "This appears to be the work of a professional team of thieves. We're appealing for anyone who may have seen or been disturbed by the offenders, or who saw anything suspicious, to come forward."

The Range Rover and ATM were abandoned in Park Street. It appeared no money was taken. The Range Rover, Montego and ATM are being examined by forensic officers.

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