PICTURES: Ram-raid at Co-op store in Upton

As reported, a vehicle – believed to be a black Range Rover – was driven into the front of the store in Poole Road, Upton, at 3.43am this morning, Thursday, June 9.

Police said around four or five men dressed in black clothing got out and loaded an ATM machine into the car.

Residents who stumbled across the cordoned off scene this morning were horrified by the incident, which resulted in glass and store produce scattered across the pavement.

Police have cordoned the scene off the other glass and store produce strewn all across the pavement. @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/GcCLD0NXuM

— Andrew Goldman (@AndrewDailyEcho) June 9, 2022

Shortly before 9.45am, a police forensics officer attended the scene to photograph and further investigate the scene.

For those who live in the area, the raid has been described as “on a different level” of seriousness. Councillor Bill Pipe, who represents Upton for Dorset Council, said: “I’m shocked and surprised that people could actually do something like this.

Forensics officer attends ram-raid at Co-op store in Upton

“In Upton we suffer greatly from anti-social behaviour, but this is on a different level. This far more serious than what we’re used to and I hope the police can sort it out.

• Read more: Men in Range Rover ram-raid store before fleeing with ATM

“The Co-op will be closed for some time so they’ll be losing money and it’s not good for the image of the town, our neighbours and residents. I am angry about it, quite frankly.”

Cllr Judes Butt, meanwhile, of the neighbouring Creekmoor ward likened the incident to a break-in at their local Co-op earlier this year.

Ram-raid at Co-op store in Upton

She said: “My community is horrified at such violence and intrusion, the staff traumatised by this attack on our quiet close-knit community.

“Where next?”

The owner of Layers Hairdressers next door to the Co-op said she felt sorry for the Co-op staff, while a man who lives a short distance from the store in Heights Approach told the Echo he had “no idea” of any break-in.

He said: “I never heard a thing and I sleep with my window open. That’s ridiculous. I can’t believe it, my wife never said anything this morning when she went off to work so I assume she didn’t hear anything either.”

Ram-raid at Co-op store in Upton on Thursday, June 9. Picture: Ed Baker

The other unit next door to the shop is a currently disused building which, until several years ago, was the town’s Co-op before it was replaced.

The Heights Approach resident recalled that store had also been subject to a similar raid more than two decades ago. He said: “When we first moved in 25 years ago thieves ram raided that building with a car as well, we certainly heard that one.

“By the time we all woke up they’d gone, but I can’t believe I didn’t hear this one. It must have been deafening.”

A spokesperson for Co-op said: "There was an incident at our Upton store in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, 9 June) where there was an attack on the community’s ATM.

"Significant damage has been caused, and at the moment it is too early to confirm when the store will be able to re-open to serve the community.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the temporary closure, and appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward to the police, who are investigating."

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220091447.