Police are appealing for information following the theft of a cash machine in Masham.
It was stolen from the Co-op store on Park Street in the town, just before 3am on Monday 23 January 2012. The thieves used a JCB, which they had stolen locally, to remove the cash machine from the wall of the building. It was then transported on the back of a stolen green Mitsubishi L200.
Following the theft the thieves left Masham along Leyburn Road. A short distance outside the town they attempted to gain access to the machine, possibly with grinding tools.
A 27-year-old man, from the Bishop Auckland area of County Durham, who was arrested on suspicion of burglary has been released on bail. A second man is also under investigation remains in custody for a separate offence.
The JCB, Mitsubishi and cash machine have all now been recovered. The thieves did not manage to gain access to the machine and all of the money was recovered.
Detective Sergeant Dave Horne, of Harrogate CID, said:
I would like to thank all of the members of the public who reported this theft taking place. Without this information we would not have been able to locate the cash machine and make the arrests as quickly as we did.
I would like to speak to anyone who may have seen the JCB and Mitsubishi travelling together prior to the theft or may have seen the thieves as they tried to gain access to the machine.
I am also keen to speak to anyone who may have found any discarded items including clothing along Leyburn Road and surrounding fields to contact the police or Crimestoppers straight away.
Anyone who can help the police with their enquiries is asked to contact Harrogate CID on 101. Press option 2 and ask for Dave Horne.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 12120011699.
