Plymouth police issue update following late-night Co-op ‘ram-raid’ near Plympton

Devon and Cornwall Police have issued an update after a late-night ram-raid at a Co-op store in Plympton, where two cashpoint machines were torn from the building.

A police statement said officers were called at about 1.45am on Monday (2 February) after reports of a ram-raid at the Co-op on Glen Road.

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Investigators believe a stolen John Deere telehandler was driven into the wall of the store, allowing the cash machines to be removed. 

Enquiries later established that the vehicle had been taken from a nearby farm earlier that night.

Detective Constable Andrew Trott-Rodgers said officers believe four people were involved. 

He said those responsible “arrived at the Co-op in stolen vehicles” and that the machines were removed during the break-in.

Police say the suspects left the scene in the stolen vehicles, which were later found burned out in woodland near Sparkwell, with the telehandler found abandoned at the Co-op.

ABOVE: It is believed that a John Deere telehandler (pictured), was used to ram into the wall at the store (Image: D&C Police)

Detectives are now appealing for help from the public.

DC Trott-Rodgers indicated officers want to hear from anyone who noticed “suspicious behaviour in the Smithaleigh area of Plympton, particularly near Piggeries Farm,” where the telehandler is believed to have been stolen.

Police have confirmed the vehicle is thought to have been taken between 5.30pm on Sunday 1 February and 1.30am on Monday 2 February.

Officers are also asking for information from anyone who may have seen anything unusual in the early hours of Monday around Downfield Drive and Glen Road.

DC Trott-Rodgers said residents who have not yet spoken to police are urged to check doorbell or dashcam footage, adding that even small details could help the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or report online, quoting crime reference number 50260027042. 

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.