Broadland Police are investigating after thieves used a stolen digger to remove a cash machine from the wall of a Tesco Express at The Square, Thorpe Marriott, Norfolk, in the early hours of 20 January 2026. The force says the theft happened at about 02:24 GMT and caused significant structural damage; an undisclosed sum of cash was taken. The case reference being used by investigators is NC-20-01-2026-0012.
Officers from Broadland Police (part of Norfolk Constabulary) say the suspects used the heavy plant to smash through the store frontage and pull the ATM free before fleeing in a separate vehicle. This follows a near-identical raid at the same site in January 2025.
The Tesco Express was left with severe damage and is expected to remain closed while engineers and police carry out forensic and structural assessments. Store manager Ben Ellis told BBC News the store would be closed for a few weeks while repairs are carried out.
Police and regional reporting on similar incidents say these raids often involve plant stolen from nearby building sites or farms shortly before the crime. No arrests have been made. Investigators are reviewing CCTV from surrounding streets and are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or who saw suspicious activity to come forward.
Officers are asking anyone who was in the precinct at the time to contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101, quoting crime reference NC-20-01-2026-0012.
