Gainsborough petrol station targeted in suspected robbery spree

Offenders broke into the Heapham Road fuel stop at around 11pm but were disturbed by the police. It is not clear if anything was stolen.

Witnesses to the incident, which is number 548 of 28th May, should contact Lincolnshire Police.

Police are investigating three more serious thefts which happened last night, and early indications suggest they are linked.

■ Incident 28 of 29th May 2012. At around 1.45am on Tuesday Wilkinson’s Financial Services Office in High Street, Ruskington, was attacked by burglars using a fork-lift truck type machine. Substantial damage was caused to the front of the premises and the ATM cash machine was stolen.

■ Incident 25 of 29th May 2012. At around 3am on Tuesday offenders broke into Norwich and Peterborough in Market Place, Market Deeping. They broke into the back of the ATM machine and stole a quantity of cash.

■ Incident 2 of 29th 2012. Just after midnight on Tuesday offenders broke into M and D convenience store in Main Street, Claypole, and stoke a quantity of cigarettes, worth around £3,000.

DI Suzanne Davies said: “We are in the very early stages of this investigation and we are looking at the possibility that these offences are linked.”

“It is vital that anyone who saw these crimes take place, or who saw vehicles in the area at the time, gets in touch with us as soon as possible.”

“Please call us even if you think the information you have is insignificant – it could be vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information should call Lincolnshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.