West Melton break-in caught on video

Video footage may hold the key to identifying two men who smashed a window at a rural petrol station only to find an empty ATM machine inside.

Five staff at the West Melton BP petrol station, west of Christchurch, spent three hours cleaning up shattered glass after the incident about 5am Sunday.

The store owner, who would only go by the name Diane, said video surveillance showed the two men smashing a store window to access the ATM machine.

The piercing alarm forced them to flee, without taking any items, in what police believe was a stolen ute. The vehicle was later torched near Weedons Ross Rd.

The identities of the perpetrators was not initially obvious on camera footage, but Diane hoped police could "clean it up".

She believed there may have been a third person involved waiting in another vehicle.

Constable Bryan McQueen, of Rolleston, confirmed police were investigating the incident.

He urged anyone with information to call police on (03) 347 9248 or anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- The Press

Originally posted here:
West Melton break-in caught on video