Organised Gang Rams Co-op with Stolen Telehandler in Brazen Burglary
Shocking video footage has captured the moment a highly sophisticated criminal gang used a stolen telehandler to ram into a Co-op store in Plympton, Plymouth, making off with thousands of pounds in cash. The brazen burglary occurred in the early hours of February 2, with the vehicle repeatedly colliding with the store wall on Glen Road until it gave way, allowing two cashpoint machines to be removed.
Police Investigation and National Links
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that at least four individuals were involved in the break-in, arriving in three different vehicles that had all been stolen from nearby properties. Detective Constable Andrew Trott-Rodgers stated that following extensive enquiries, this incident is believed to be connected to several other ram-raid burglaries across the country over the last four months.
The force was notified about the burglary at approximately 1.45am, and the suspects were seen using a John Deere telehandler taken from the Smithaleigh area of Plympton between 5.30pm on February 1 and 1.30am on February 2. A Nissan Navara was also stolen from Downfield Drive between 12.20am and 12.30am.
Sophisticated Operation and Evidence
The gang, described as highly sophisticated and organised, inflicted precise blows with the telehandler, leaving debris of concrete in their wake. All suspects were dressed in dark clothing with hoods up and faces covered, likely having conducted prior reconnaissance of the area using back roads to avoid detection.
In the footage, a dark-clothed individual is seen beckoning to a driver after rummaging through the wreckage. Police reported that all stolen vehicles, except the telehandler, were found burnt out in a nearby forest at a Sparkwell paintball site between 1.40am and 4am.
Appeal for Information and Wider Context
Authorities are appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious in the early hours of February 2 around Downfield Drive, Glen Road, Language in Plympton, or Smithaleigh. They are particularly interested in doorbell or dashcam footage and information from Airbnb or bed and breakfast providers who had bookings for four men over the weekend of January 31 and February 1.
This incident follows a series of similar raids, including a North Staffordshire Co-op where the front was ripped out and a Spar in Retford that was completely decimated with a large quantity of cash stolen. Police emphasise that this pattern suggests a coordinated criminal effort spanning multiple regions.
Information can be reported by calling 101 or online quoting reference 50260027042, or anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or their website.
