ATM stolen in Mickleham shopping centre heist

Thieves have smashed their way into a shopping centre in Mickleham and stolen an ATM during an early morning ram raid.

An ATM has been stolen during an early morning ram raid at a shopping centre in Mickleham on Tuesday.

A stolen Toyota was used to smash through the glass doors of the Merrifield City mall on Donnybrook Rd about 4am, before it reversed into two ATMs.

A ute was used to smash through the main entrance of the centre.

The offenders stole one ATM by loading it on to a second vehicle – a dark-coloured sedan – and fleeing.

The ute was left at the scene.

Police were called to reports of a dumped ATM on fire near Almurta Ave, Coolaroo, a short time later.

The heist marks the third time Merrifield City has been targeted since it opened in four years ago.

Last year, the Smokemart Tobacco store was targeted in a similar heist and just last month a neighbouring convenience was firebombed.

One local resident told the Herald Sun: “It’s honestly so scary.”

“We came here to do our groceries this morning and were confused why there’s all this smashed glass,” they said.

The Herald Sun has contacted centre management for comment.