RAM raiders have stolen a cash machine from the Sleaford filling station on the A325 opposite Country Market - the latest in a spate of thefts in the area.

A JCB telehandler digger was reportedly used to smash a hole in the front of the Londis convenience store attached to the BP filling station shortly after 3am last Friday.

The cash machine was ripped from the wall, scattering debris across the petrol station forecourt.

A solitary police car could be seen at the scene at 9am on Friday and the shop and filling station remained open, although a large section of the forecourt was coned off.

Hampshire Police later confirmed the thieves made off with ’cash drawers’ while a telehandler was left at the scene.

Detectives are also investigating a robbery at the One Stop store in Rydal Close/Ennerdale Road, Bordon, shortly before 6am on Friday, but are not currently linking the two incidents.

Staff members were threatened before cash was stolen. No serious injuries were reported.

Acting Inspector Philip Shore said: “We understand people will be concerned by these two incidents.

“We take all such reports seriously. Detectives are working hard on both incidents to identify those responsible.

“Neighbourhood officers will also be patrolling for reassurance. If you have a query, please speak to them.

“If you know anything about either of these incidents then please call 101 – any information could prove vital to our investigations.”

It comes after Halifax bank in West Street, Farnham was devastated in August in one of the more audacious examples in a string of ram raids to hit the area.

The perpetrators left a stolen JCB ‘telehandler’ forklift at the scene of the crime and made off with the cash machine.

In June, a similar incident saw Tesco Bordon’s ATM ripped from the store and a digger abandoned in the car park.

The SPAR in Lindford, Bucks Horn Oak Service Station on the A325 and Lloyds Bank in Liphook have also been targeted this year.

The Herald believes Friday’s raid on the A325 is at least the 36th such ATM theft in west Surrey and east Hampshire since February 2017.

Many of these offences have taken place in close proximity to the A325, including raids in Wrecclesham and Rowledge.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44180356395 (Sleaford Service Station) or 44180356455 (One Stop).

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.