Spate of thefts at cash machines

Six machines were targeted in the spate of incidents

Thieves broke into six cash dispensing machines in Glasgow and Lanarkshire within five hours, police have said.

The robberies, on Wednesday morning, began in Chryston before moving to Ballieston, Stonehouse, Clarkston, Rutherglen and East Kilbride.

A silver-grey car, containing three men, was seen leaving the scene soon after three of the break-ins.

Police said that a quantity of money was successfully removed from three of the ATM machines after forced entry.

The first raid took place at the Co-op in Cumbernauld Road, Chryston, at 0040 GMT.

The shop was broken into and an attempt made to force entry to the ATM machine.

Almost an hour later an attempt was made to break into the cash machine at Airdrie Savings Bank in Glasgow Road, Baillieston.

A silver-grey car was then seen heading west on Glasgow Road towards Barrachnie.

Gain entry

An hour after this the Bank of Scotland in Trongate, Stonehouse, was broken into and money was stolen from the ATM inside.

At about 0310 GMT thieves tried to gain entry to the cash machine at the Lloyds TSB Bank on Mearns Road, Clarkston. On this occasion a silver-grey car was again seen as it headed towards Old Mearns Road.

Just 10 minutes later the Bank of Scotland in Stonelaw Road, Rutherglen, was broken into and money was taken from the ATM machine. Three men were seen in a silver-grey car at the scene.

Finally, at 0525 GMT, the ATM at McDonalds Restaurant in Queensway, East Kilbride, was forced open and a quantity of money removed.

A silver Audi car was found on fire in Fullarton Lane, Glasgow, shortly afterwards. Police are carrying out forensic tests on the car.

Officers have appealed for witnesses.