Building partially destroyed in cashpoint raid in Beaminster

The gang sped off in a car leaving a devastating scene in the centre of Beaminster – it is unclear whether they were successful in stealing any money.

Dramatic pictures of the scene show the extent of the damage.

Residents have spoken of their shock following the dramatic raid.

The pre-dawn raid on Saturday, left a huge hole in the wall of the building and rubble strewn over the road. 

The centre of the town was blocked off as police launched an investigation.

Officers were liaising with engineers about how to make the building safe. A drone was being used at the scene to assess the damage from above, picture below.
 

Picture: Rachel Hayball

It happened outside Chris Chapman Bespoke Kitchens & Furniture, previously a bank, at the Fleet Street corner of The Square.

One occupant who was in the flat above the shop escaped uninjured.

Two vehicles, including a tractor, were stolen by the gang before they struck.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Dorset Police said it received multiple reports at 4.09am on Saturday that offenders were stealing a cashpoint.

The force said offenders used a stolen green tractor to extract the cashpoint from the wall of the premises, which was previously a HSBC bank.

They were then seen to make off on foot. It is not yet known if any money was stolen. The offenders then got into a dark-coloured Audi car and left the scene.

The tractor was left at the scene alongside a green Land Rover Defender, which had been stolen by the offenders from Whitcombe Road in Beaminster.

‘Significant structural damage’ has been caused to the property.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service attended to assess the damage.

The A3066 Hogshill Street through The Square was closed until a structural engineer attended.

Organisers of the nearby Buckham Fair event, expected to attract thousands of visitors on Sunday, said the road closure shouldn’t affect traffic to the event as its one-way traffic diversion bypasses the town centre.

As it was, the A3066 through Beaminster was partially reopened on Sunday with temporary lights in use.
 

Picture: Ken Deadman

Picture: Rachel Hayball

Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of Weymouth CID, said: “A full investigation is underway to identify the offenders involved in this incident.

“I would urge anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the early hours of Saturday morning in Beaminster and has yet to speak to officers to please contact Dorset Police.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who saw a Audi or similar looking car being driven in or around the area this morning or one that may have been abandoned.”

He added: “The offenders have caused significant structural damage to the property and the road has been closed to ensure the safety of members of the public until it can be made safe. I would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be continuing their patrols of the area and can be approached with any concerns and issues.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police quoting incident number 18:105.

Picture: Nick Tett

Residents tell of shock - by Caroline Lewis

THE raid sent shockwaves through the community as residents said crimes like this did not happen in ‘quiet’ Beaminster.

Maraila Hobby, who owns K&M Hobby Ceramics just off the square said she was shocked when she heard what happened. 

“It must have made one hell of a noise but everyone I’ve spoken to says they didn’t hear a thing,” Mrs Hobby said. 

“You don’t expect that sort of thing in Beaminster. We are a lovely quiet little town normally. It’s going to take an awful lot of work to put right - I feel sorry for the poor person in the flat above.”

She added a lot of the businesses, including her own, had been affected by the crime. 

“The car park was closed and all the shops were blocked off. Nobody to get through to go to the Post Office or the hairdressers,” she said. 

Mel King, who works in Beaminster said she could not believe her eyes when she saw the damage. 

“There are people living in flats above every building in this square. How did they think they were going to get away with it,” she said. 

She added the damaged flat had only recently been renovated. 

“It’s such a shame. The was beautifully done and it’s such a lovely building. It’s quite shocking it’s happened somewhere like this,” she said.

Another Beaminster resident who did not wish to be named said he was concerned the town would now lose the cashpoint. 

“I can’t see them putting it back in,” he said. “The Co-Op charges and you can only get cash at the Post Office when it’s open. It will be very inconvenient.”