COPS are investigating two early morning raids on cash machines fifty miles apart which it’s understood are linked.
The first attempted ATM theft occurred just after 1am this morning at a Scotmid shop in Glasgow.
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Police at the scene of the Glasgow raid earlier todayCredit: Les Gallagher
Evidence markers were laid out and police tape sealed off the sceneCredit: Les Gallagher
A gang of four men used a Nissan Navara to smash their way into the store causing considerable damage to the building.
The jeep was left at the scene and the men fled in a grey hatchback.
Almost two hours later another Navara was used to try to break into a Scotmid in Edinburgh.
As the thugs tried to smash the doors, a passing police officer driving a car caught them red-handed.
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However, the jeep drove into the police car before the thugs made off in another vehicle.
A source said: “It seems these are linked as the same make and model of vehicles was used and in the second one the car headed off towards Glasgow.
“They have targeted the same shops so it all points to the same people being responsible for both.
“When the group arrived in Edinburgh a lone officer in a car came across them so there was very limited damage to the shop.
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“The driver of the jeep then rammed the police car.
“Thankfully the cop wasn’t hurt, but it could have been a lot worse.”
At the shop in Glasgow detectives and forensic officers have spent the day scouring the scene for evidence.
Officers have now appealed for anyone with information to contact them directly or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The raiders left massive damage after pulling the ATM off the wallCredit: Les Gallagher
It’s believed the incident is linked to a raid in EdinburghCredit: Les Gallagher