RAIDERS who attempted to burgle a Tesco could have been trying to steal its cash machine, police have suggested.

The break-in at Grove on Monday follows a spate of ATM ram raids in the county.

Thames Valley Police said the Tesco Express in Millbrook Square was targeted between 1.55am and 2.05am.

In a statement, the force added: “Unknown offenders gained entry to the store by forcing the front doors and exited through the back of the shop.

“They had forced the office door open where the ATM machine is located and damaged the CCTV. Nothing was taken. 

“It is believed they ran off towards Millbrook school.”

The attempted burglary is the latest in a series of ram raids on store ATMs.

In January, the nearby Co-op in Savile Way, Grove, was targeted. Meanwhile, Spar in Molyneux Drive, Bodicote, was hit three times in two months by thieves.

Other stores in Oxford, Chipping Norton, Headington and Charlbury have also been broken into. Police have not said whether the latest incident in Grove is connected.

The store manager confirmed that a break in had happened but declined to comment further.

Shoppers reported seeing the store surrounded in police tape and closed on Monday morning.

Police also said no one was hurt, with the raid happening when the store was empty. 

Witnesses are asked to call the police via the 24 hour non-emergency telephone number 101 and quote ref 43180120925, or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.