6:15 AM
Police have recovered an automatic teller machine stolen from the Bulls branch of WestpacTrust Bank around 3.00 this morning, but are not sure if any of the contents are missing.
Inspector Ian McKenzie says thieves used a front-end loader to put the ATM onto a dump truck and then swapped vehicles just south of the town (approximately 40 km northwest of Palmerston North).
Police recovered the red Mazda utility, believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle, in nearby Sanson.
A police dog handler found the offenders as they were transferring from the dump truck to a red ute.
The thieves collided with the dog handler's vehicle as they made their escape.
Although the officer was unhurt, he could not give chase in his damaged car.
Police have not yet located the offenders.
Police find stolen ATM and car but still chasing thieves
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