Building society ram-raided for the second time

Police were called to Olney High Street in the early hours of Wednesday morning

A building society has had to close after it was left severely damaged by a second ram-raid.

Thames Valley Police said it was called to the Nationwide, on Olney High Street in Buckinghamshire, at about 02:47 BST.

Kevin Viney, who lives in the town near Milton Keynes, said he saw a telehandler had been used to try to rip the cash machine out and the damage looked "very serious".

The Grade-II listed building was targeted in 2010 when a digger was used to steal a cash machine.

Nationwide has been approached for comment, but announced online that the branch "is closed until further notice".

Nationwide said its Olney branch was closed until further notice

Police said the building society had been "raided and burgled" and officers were investigating.

The High Street had been closed but reopened later.

Patrols had been increased in the area "to provide a visible policing presence and offer reassurance to the community", a force spokesman said.

"Our neighbourhood teams are actively engaging with residents to listen to concerns and ensure people feel safe."

The force appealed for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch.

The front of the building society branch was ripped out

Mr Viney said he noticed the damage at about 06:30.

"It's a bit shocking, the damage is very serious and it could take several weeks to put right," he said.

He said he was told the money was still in the safe, bolted to the floor.

"It's the last bank or building society in the town; it's very important to many people," he added.

Olney High Street was closed off, but has since reopened

A number of ram-raids in the area have been reported in the past.

In July 2018, the front of the former Barclays, also on the High Street, was almost completely destroyed when a JCB digger was driven through the front and thieves made off with a cash machine.

Barclays said it closed the branch the following month.