Thieves Smash Christchurch Co-op Storefront to Steal ATM

CHRISTCHURCH — A Co-op convenience store in Christchurch, Dorset, was left with significant structural damage after thieves smashed through the storefront to steal an automated teller machine (ATM) in the early hours of Saturday, May 24, 2025.

The raid, which occurred around 3:00 AM, involved a vehicle backing into the glass storefront to dislodge the cash machine. The impact shattered the front windows and collapsed part of the entrance frame. Witnesses reported seeing several masked individuals loading the ATM into the back of a getaway vehicle before speeding away from the scene.

Dorset Police officers arrived shortly after the incident was reported by nearby residents who were awakened by the loud crash. Structural engineers were called to assess the safety of the building, which remained closed for most of the day, disrupting local shoppers.

Detectives are appealing for witness testimony, dashcam footage, or residential CCTV recordings from the surrounding streets. They are particularly interested in any sightings of large utility vehicles or SUVs driving at speed in the Christchurch area around the time of the burglary.