In pictures: Thieves raid Sainsbury's ATM in Edinburgh city centre

Brazen thieves smashed through a city centre supermarket window in an attempt to steal an ATM machine in the middle of the night.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The incident occurred at around 3:30am on Thursday morning at the Sainsbury’s Local on Shandwick Place in the West End.

It is understood that a dark-coloured Audi Q5 was used in the raid.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Pictures from the scene show extensive damage to the front of the store, with the ATM lying smashed up on the pavement.

Shandwick Place was closed until around 5am as a clear up got underway.

Edinburgh Trams were affected, with services from the airport temporarily terminating west of Shandwick Place.

An eyewitness passing by this morning on the No.3 bus said the store was “completely devastated” with police officers standing outside.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police have now confirmed that they believe the same men targeted a store in Roslin on Wednesday morning and that the Audi used was stolen from a property in Fife just hours earlier.

The Sainsburys Local on Shandwick Place was targeted in an early morning raid. Pictures: Dean des Eaux/William SneddonThe Sainsburys Local on Shandwick Place was targeted in an early morning raid. Pictures: Dean des Eaux/William Sneddon
The Sainsburys Local on Shandwick Place was targeted in an early morning raid. Pictures: Dean des Eaux/William Sneddon

In a statement, Detective Inspector Graham Grant said: “While the men were successful in gaining entry to the shop, they have been unable to steal the ATM and have left it in the street before making their escape.

“We are continuing our liaison with the store, but it appears nothing has been stolen at this time.

“This is the latest incident involving the stolen Audi from Kirkcaldy and officers from Fife, Midlothian and Edinburgh are all working together to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“If you have any information that can assist with these ongoing inquiries then please contact police immediately.”

Picture: William SneddonPicture: William Sneddon
Picture: William Sneddon

Those with information in relation to this incident can contact the CIU via 101 and quote incident number 364 of the 17th May. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Join our Facebook group Our Edinburgh to share images and news from and around the Capital

Know someone that makes a difference in our community? Nominate them for a Local Hero Award HERE