Ram-raiders at the Co-op in Donington caused an enormous amount of damage – but left empty-handed.
Police are studying CCTV images as they investigate the attempted theft of the cash machine from the outside wall of the Market Place store.
A John Deere teleporter was used in the incident which happened at around 3.20am on Thursday (Sep 29).
Police said: “The attempt was unsuccessful and the offenders left the scene in a dark 4×4 flat bed vehicle and a dark blue saloon car.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Spalding CID on 101, quoting incident number 27 of September 29.
Meanwhile, the Co-op is expected to have a pop-up shop in place by tomorrow to enable trade to continue.
Area manager Simon Taylor said: “Extensive damage was caused to the front of the store, and it is too early to say when it will re-open.
“A Co-op pop-up shop is expected on site from tomorrow, Friday, September 30, to continue to serve the community with a range of over 120 everyday essentials.”