Thousands stolen from Tesco Cash Point – From Underground!

Tesco Express, Whitworth Rd in Rochdale.

The Manchester Evening News recently reported on the theft of large amounts of cash, estimated at £50,000 from the ATM at the Tesco Express store in Rochdale. The crime happened only a year after an ATM at the Tesco store in Eccles had also been targeted, in which £86,000 of cash had been stolen. Both incidents involved a gang of thieves tunneling underground to reach the ATMs.

The theft from the Whitworth Road Tesco store in Rochdale, took place on the night of March 18th 2015. The damaged ATM was noticed the following morning when staff opened the store and consequently reported the incident to the Police. Tesco staff have stated that they are helping the Police with ongoing investigations.

The criminals involved in the theft created a tunnel over 15 Metres long, which came out directly underneath the ATM. Cash boxes were then taken from out of the ATM, with a total estimated value of £50,000. It is thought that the tunnel took over 6 months to dig out.

Anyone with any information relating to either the Rochdale or Eccles Tesco ATM thefts are urged to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

With thanks for the photo of Tesco Express in Rochdale to © Copyright Bill Boaden and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.