Two vehicles used in the theft of a cash machine in Sible Hedingham yesterday (May 1) have been found burnt out in a field in Finchingfield.

Dunmow Broadcast: Two vehicles and a stolen ATM were found in a field in FinchingfieldTwo vehicles and a stolen ATM were found in a field in Finchingfield (Image: SaffronPhoto 2016)

The stolen ATM, which was taken after a ram raid at the Co-op store in Swan Street, was also found at the same location in the village, which lies around eight miles west of Sible Hedingham.

The two vehicles – a black pickup truck and a silver Audi – and the cash machine were found by police today in the picturesque village, which was named as one of the best places to live in East Anglia by The Times in March.

Masked suspects drove a JCB into the front of the Sible Hedingham Co-op at around 3am on Monday, and the amount of cash stolen from the ATM has not been disclosed.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A JCB was driven into the front of a shop in order to steal an ATM cash point from inside.

“The ATM was stolen and a number of suspects were wearing what appeared to be dark hooded tops with masks covering their faces.

“The black pick-up truck and silver Audi involved in the theft yesterday, have been found by officers burnt out in a field in Finchingfield.

“The stolen ATM machine was also found in the same location.”

Ron Volkwyn, chairman of Sible Hedingham Parish Council, said he felt incidents like this were becoming all too common in rural areas.

He said: “I’m saddened and disappointed, but I can’t really say I’m shocked by it.

“Unfortunately when you watch the news, incidents like this are the norm. Rural areas are easy targets and professional criminals find it all too easy.

“The police response to these incidents is not what it was due to cuts and the robbers just think ‘we’ve got time to do our work’.”

A spokeswoman for the East of England Co-op said: “We are working with the police to assist them with their investigation and would urge anyone with any information to contact Essex Police directly.”

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Dc Jamie Stirland at Braintree CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or visit the Crimestoppers website here to report it online.