ATM destroyed in robbery

A Palmerston North money machine has been destroyed in an apparent smash and grab early today.

The damage to the ANZ automatic teller machine in the suburb of Milson was so great that local police joked that they are expecting a digger to be reported stolen.

The smash and grab happened between 4am and 5am, said Detective Tracey Wharehoka of Palmerston North police.

She said the robbers have gone through two windows before trying to haul the ATM out of the 4 Square.

Bits of the machine are on the footpath outside but it is not yet known if any money is missing.

"There was a van that appears to be stolen, still sitting on the side of the road but the van does'nt have any damage," Ms Wharehoka said.

She said it is not known if the van was involved in the smash and grab.

She said police were in the early stages of their investigation.

- NZ HERALD STAFF