DETECTIVES have issued a fresh appeal following the attempted theft of a cash machine from the Allday’s store in Reculver Road near Herne Bay.

It is believed that the ram-raiders were planning to use a white Leyland Daf van, stolen in the early hours of Monday from Graveney, near Faversham, to take away the machine.

But they are believed to have dropped the cash machine while using a mechanical digger to transfer it through the roof of the van.

The van had contained furniture, including a coffee table, French buffet sideboard and a pine bed with a mattress which is now missing.

Det Sgt Jeff Vincett said: “We would appeal to anyone who finds the furniture or part of the fibre-glass roof of the van to contact police as soon as possible.”

A red security dye was activated when the machine was dropped and police believe that the dye may have got onto clothing, footwear or the skin of thieves.

It is extremely difficult to remove the dye – a security measure which is designed to spoil the money inside a machine if attempts are made to force it open.

The orange mechanical digger, with John Reeve written on the side, which was used to remove the cash machine from the building was on a low loader vehicle stolen from Manston golf course earlier on Monday.

The low loader was a large long-wheel base vehicle with 18 wheels and police believe that it must have been spotted being driven between Manston and Herne Bay.

Anyone with information or witnesses are asked to telephone police on 01227 868357 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free and you do not have to give your name.