A stolen white Ford Transit Connect van is believed to have been used in the attempted theft of an ATM in Aberdeenshire yesterday.
An investigation was launched after the incident was discovered in the Mart Road area of Alford in the early hours.
The attempt was unsuccessful however the machine sustained extensive damage.
Officers investigating believe that a white Ford Transit Connect van that was reported as stolen from a property in the Kildrummy area of Alford between Wednesday evening and the early hours of yesterday morning could be linked.
The van has since been recovered in the Braemar area and inquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Norman Stevenson, who is leading the investigation, said: “There has been well-publicised incidents in the north-east in recent years whereby a number of ATMs were targeted. Although there are similarities in this case there is nothing to suggest from our inquiries so far that this attempt is linked to any previous incidents.
“It is clear a sustained effort was made to gain entry to the machine, however it was unsuccessful and the person – or persons – responsible left the scene empty-handed.
“In saying this it will obviously cause alarm within the local community and a great deal of inconvenience. I can provide every reassurance that we will use every resource available to us to detect those responsible and we are following several lines of inquiry.
“I would once again appeal for any members of the public who saw or heard anything suspicious through the night to contact police as soon as possible. In particular if you saw a white Ford Transit van and have information that could assist please get in touch. Contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.”
