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Botched smash and grab at supermarket
Robbers attempted to snatch a cash machine in an early hours smash and grab.
Thieves used a Hitachi mechanical digger to smash through the side of Sainsburys in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead.
However, it is believed they left empty handed, setting fire to the digger and a white 'Highways Maintenance' flat-bed lorry before fleeing the site.
It is believed that the offenders made off towards the Belswain's Lane and Ebberns Road area via a footbridge.
Police were called to the store at 6.06am today (Friday, July 30).
Spokesman for Herts Constabulary Alison Etherden said: "It appears a digger has been used to damage and gain access to ATMs at the site. However it appears no money was taken."
Firefighters were also called to the store to extinguish the vehicle fires.
Detective Constable Marc Willmore, from the area crime unit in Hemel Hemsptead, said: "We are appealing to anyone who may have any information which could help our investigation.
"It is a busy time of the morning with people on their way to work.
"Did you see the flat bed pick-up truck or the JCB being driven on the London Road before 6am this morning?
"Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in or around Sainsbury's or the retail park?
"If so, we would like to hear from you. Any information at all, no matter how insignificant you think it may be could greatly assist our investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 33 00 222.
The store is open to customers.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North
