DETECTIVES are today still hunting for thieves who used a JCB to smash into cash machines at the Hempstead Valley shopping centre at Gillingham.

The ram-raiders escaped with one machine during the night-time raid on banks situated at the main entrance to the complex. The three men involved in the robbery are thought to have driven off in a flat bed truck that had a white cab with dark writing on the side.

The vehicle was found several hours later. It was abandoned near the scene. The stolen cashpoint machine was on the truck.

Workmen hhave carried out emergency repairs to brace up the entrance and the front of the HSBC and Abbey National banks at the centre of the attack. The robbery happened at about 3am on Sunday.

A police statement said: "The JCB had been used on three cashpoint machines, causing significant damage to three buildings."

Witnesses have been asked to contact the police on 01634 884035.