Desperate thieves smashed through a Bolton bank on Tuesday and used power tools to pry open a cash machine but fled empty handed when the fire alarm went off.
The men targeted the Lloyds TSB on Market Street, Farnworth and removed brickwork from the Council Square side of the bank before trying to break into the cash machine sometime between 5pm on Tuesday and 3.30am on Wednesday.
As the offenders tried to gain access to the ATM, smoke from their tools activated the fire alarm and they fled without the money.
Detective Sergeant Tony Lunt said: “The offenders had clearly come up with a meticulous and researched plan and had armed themselves with all the tools necessary to smash their way through the side of the building and cut open the ATM.
“What is certain is that these men were determined to get their hands on cash and we need to find them before they strike again.”
DS Lunt is appealing to anyone who might have seen the robbers, who were dressed in dark clothing and carrying bags, in the side street.
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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