Tunneling Thieves Dig Out Cash

THIEVES in Levenshulme have gone to extreme lengths to get their hands on cash, after digging a 100ft tunnel under a building to get to an ATM.

The theft happened sometime between 5.30pm on Monday 2 January 2012 and Tuesday 3 January 2012, at the cash machine at Blockbuster on Fallowfield Shopping Precinct.

Thieves dug the tunnel from a railway embankment at the rear of the shop, which then went under a car park and beneath the foundations of the shop. The passageway was around 100ft in length and around 4ft tall. It had also been fitted with lighting and roof supports.

The tunnel was dug directly underneath the cash machine, where the offenders then used machinery to cut through more than 15inches of concrete to steal money from the ATM.

The thieves then made their getaway back down the tunnel.

Officers believe the people responsible could have spent up to six months digging the passageway.

Detective Sergeant Ian Shore from Longsight CID said: “In all my years of service, I have never seen anything quite as elaborate as this.

 “These people had obviously spent a long time plotting this crime and I doubt they would have been able to keep their plans secret for all that time, without telling others about their scheme.

“They must also have spent a lot of time in the area over the past few months, which people may have noticed.

“The financial detriment to the victim could have been a lot worse, and the offenders did not get away with as much money as I believe they may have originally hoped. The machine had limited funds available.

“I would ask that anyone who may have noticed anything unusual around this Blockbuster store, or who may have seen or heard anything they think might help us with our investigation, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4245 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.