Blazing Cherokee found after cash machine theft

Did ram raiders torch vehicle?
By Will Davies

FIREFIGHTERS were called to the scene of a burning Jeep Cherokee last Thursday — the fourth such vehicle deliberately set alight in the Goring area in less than a year.
Police believe this latest 4x4 vehicle was used to steal a cash machine in a ram raid in Greater Leys, Oxford, before being set alight and ditched on Bridle Way, Goring, at around 4.30 a.m. on April 12th.
Three people wearing balaclavas reversed the black Cherokee through glass doors at the Vue Cinema in Greater Leys and ripped out the cash machine, containing over £5,000.
Watch manager at Goring Fire Station, Sean Absolom, said: “This is the fourth Jeep Cherokee in under a year to be deliberately set alight in the area, all of which are the same model with either an M or N registration.“Two were found in exactly the same place, on the Ridgeway junction near Ipsden. We have no idea why this is happening.”
DC Jacqui Bartlett, from Oxford CID, said: “If you happened to have been where this 4x4 was found in the early hours of the morning, we would like to hear from you.”
Police confirmed that another of the four Cherokee vehicles, which was found burned out in Streatly on February 16th, was stolen from a house in West Ilsley near Newbury. However, it could not verify whether it had been used in a crime.
Thames Valley Police spokesman Kate Smith said: “It is possible that all these cars may also have been involved in crimes.“Cars that are found burned out are often cars that have been stolen to commit crimes. If you see a car on fire please report it and report anyone acting suspiciously in the area.”
DC Bartlett can be contacted on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.