Robbers used a forklift truck to smash their way into a shop and steal a cash machine.
The dramatic raid happened at McColl's newsagent in Roydon, Essex, in the early hours of Wednesday.
The suspects drove the truck through the store's front window at about 2am then used it to lift the machine on to a waiting red pick-up truck, Essex Police said.
Pictures showed the front of the shop practically demolished with rubble in the street.
An Essex Police spokesman said the shop was "extensively damaged" and witnesses said the building was repeatedly rammed.
He added: "Up to four men were believed to have been involved in the incident. Some of them arrived and left in a white Kia car."
The car and the red Toyata pick-up, both of which had been reported stolen, were later found on a farm track on the outskirts of the town.
Officers recovered the cash machine from the pick-up truck. The force has not confirmed whether any money was taken.
The forklift, which had also been stolen, was abandoned in High Street near the store.
Witnesses should contact Loughton CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.