Hammer attacks in Devizes

14th February 2012, 09:13

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Police are renewing their appeal for information after cash machines and shop windows were damaged in Devizes last October.

At around 2.30am on Sunday, 30th October 2011, police received a report of a man having used a hammer to 'smash' windows of Shamrock Linens in the Brittox, Devizes. The man is reported to have walked calmly away before running off towards the Market Place. Police were on the scene within minutes but were unable to locate the suspect.

Later that morning at about 5am a second report was received by police that a man was seen to damage an ATM with a hammer before making off in the direction of Devizes town hall and possibly St John's Court.

Officers were again on the scene within minutes and a police dog was used in an effort to trace the offender. A search of the town revealed ATM's at Santander, Lloyd's and Barclay's bank had been damaged. A number of shop windows were also damaged including; Roses, Johnson's Dry Cleaners, and Goughs Solicitors.

In total three people have been arrested to date in connection with these incidents. A 47 year old man and a 48 year man, both from Devizes, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. Both men were later released without charge. A 24 year old woman from Devizes was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and currently remains on police bail. Another man, aged 22 from Devizes, has been dealt with by local resolution for the damage to Goughs Solicitors which he paid for.

Officers are still keen to hear from anyone with any information in relation to the damage and in particular anyone who recognises the person shown in the CCTV images who they are keen to speak to in connection with the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kelly-Ann Higginbottom from the Local Crime Team (LCT) in Melksham on 101. Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if they wish.