Cash and wine taken at supermarket raids in Beccles and Bungay

An investigation has been launched after thieves raided cash machines at two supermarkets in north Suffolk.

The first incident happened just before 12.30am yesterday morning at the Rainbow store in Gosford Road, Beccles.

Meanwhile at just before 12.35am the Rainbow store in Hillside Road East, Bungay, was also broken into.

In both cases the raiders used cutting equipment to force open a cash machine.

Money was taken along with wine bottles in crates.

Three men were seen to make off in a black Audi estate in the Beccles incident, while a dark coloured Audi estate was also seen leaving the store at Bungay.

The shops were closed at the time of the incidents and no staff were present and no-one was injured.

The stores were cordoned off and police are at the scenes conducting house-to-house and CCTV enquiries. Scenes of crime officers are also carried out examinations.

Ironically, the Rainbow store in Bungay made the headlines in 2005 when it introduced cardboard cutouts of police officers - to cut down on crime.

Because of yesterday's raid the cafe in the Bungay store was closed.

Ironically, the Bungay store made the headlines in 2005 when it introduced cardboard cutouts of police officers - to cut down on crime. Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the areas at the relevant times or anyone who has any information.

Calls should be made to DC Robert Brotherston at Lowestoft CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.