WOULD-BE thieves reversed their car through a supermarket window during an unsuccessful ram-raid.

Emergency services were called to the Co-Operative on the High Street in Theale at around 2.30am on Tuesday.

Three offenders attempted to break into the cash machine, but fled the scene after they were unsuccessful.

Tony Roe from Tony Roe Solicitors said: "I saw the scene at around 8.45 this morning

"I spoke to the police officer on the scene and he was monitoring the situation.

"He told me that the raid was in the middle of the night.

"He could not tell me what time and I am not sure if any money was taken, but there was a cash machine at the front of the shop, which appears to be somewhat damaged.

"A number plate from the rear of the vehicle was left at the scene.

"It is not exactly in the spirit of Christmas. Obviously the store will be out of action for a while and people will be left suffering as a result.

"It is a very sad thing to see happen to Theale and it is a shock for people to do it at this time of year. I hope the police take action."

Reading Chronicle:

A Co-op representative confirmed that the Theale store was hit at around 3am and would be closed while the damage was assessed.

They added: "We would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience this causes.

"We are working to reopen the store for the local community as soon as possible.

"The Co-op takes retail crime very seriously and implements a range of measures to both deter criminal activity and to aid convictions.

"We appeal for anyone with information to come forward to the police.”

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "We were called this morning (5/12) to reports of an attempted ram-raid at Co-op in Theale. Incident at around 2.30am this morning.

"A vehicle was reversed into the shop, and three offenders attempted to gain access to the ATM machine, this was unsuccesful.

"The offenders have then driven off.

"An investigation is ongoing and we would ask anyone with information to please call 101 quoting reference 43170361166."

Did you see anything? If you have any pictures of the ram-raid, email the newsdesk: news@readingchronicle.co.uk