RESIDENTS are fearing their safety after ramraiders smashed into a convenience store cash machine.

A stolen land rover rammed into the ATM at Tesco Express on Bishopstoke Road in Bishopstoke and chemicals were used to try to set it alight on Wednesday morning.

Raiders drove off empty-handed in a dark colour Audi A5 or A6 Estate with a registration number ending NWM.

Now, residents are worried about the thieving behaviour.

One resident said: “I’m sad this has happened so close to home. It is worrying as there has been a noticeable change here. I’ve seen people showing loutish behaviour. It’s scary."

Another said: “We see a lot of activity. My son doesn’t like me walking on the path there at night but now he has reason to worry.”

Eastleigh MP Mims Davies said: “I am appalled by this incident, which is concerning for local residents, but also for the owner of the Land Rover Defender which was stolen and used by the perpetrators. As a community we will rally around those affected.”

Detective Constable Michael Jarvis said: “We know the Audi was driven into the area a couple of days ago and it would have been left somewhere in the days leading up to the incident. We believe it may have been kept in Hedge End, Botley, Bishopstoke or surrounding areas. Do you live or work in the area? Have you seen a vehicle matching this description parked up over the last few days? We know the Land Rover Defender was stolen from a Botley address during the early hours of this morning and we are in contact with the owner. The vehicle was left at the scene after the incident. We’d like to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle in the area prior to the incident, or anyone with a dashcam who may have been driving between Botley and Bishopstoke between 1am and just after 3am. Considerable damage was caused to the ATM and the surrounding building. Officers will be carrying out enquiries in the area today. We ask that anyone in the area who may have CCTV at their home or business, who may have caught footage of the incident or the offenders making their way to or from the Tesco Express, to get in touch with us. Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to call us on 101 quoting 44190323316.”