Men smash car into shop to ransack cashpoint (From Borehamwood Times)

Men smash car into shop to ransack cashpoint at Villicity Food and Wine, Shenley Road

12:11pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in News By Anna Slater

Hooded yobs ram-raided a newsagent in an attempt to steal the contents of a cash machine.

Kantha Gopalasundaram, who owns Villicity Food and Wine, in Shenley Road, rushed to the shop at 3.30am on Thursday morning after receiving a phone call from the police.

The three men drove the car at full speed and shattered the padlocked security gates at the back, before breaking down the fire door with a metal bar at 3am.

CCTV footage shows them viciously slamming the portable cash point at the back of the shop until it shattered.

Mr Gopalasundaram said: “I was very afraid when the police phoned me to tell me what happened.

“I was shaking when I saw the damage. It is a total disgrace.

“I cannot believe someone would be evil enough to do this to me.

“I work really hard five days a week and this is how I am repaid.

“I am so angry and in disbelief. These people are just so cruel.”

No money was taken because no cash is kept in the property overnight.

The Northolt resident was also relieved the “callous” men stole no alcohol or cigarettes during the break-in.

However, he is now left to pick up the pieces of the smashed-up cash point and is awaiting a replacement fire door and security gate from his insurance company.

Mr Gopalasundaram, who has owned the shop for just over a year, added: “Even though nothing was stolen, it is the principle of the matter.

“It has also left me feeling terrified. What if it happens again and next time I am not so lucky and things are stolen? It is a horrible situation to be in.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police.