Hunt for bright orange raid car

12:07pm Thursday 17th July 2008

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MOTORISTS across four counties are being urged to keep an eye out for a bright orange car used as a getaway vehicle in a supermarket burglary.

And the car has been made even more distinctive as its interior has been stained red by the security dye inside the cash box, swiped in the raid.

Bedfordshire police are now asking drivers, residents and garages across Bucks, Beds, Northants and Herts to be on the look-out for the "shocking" orange Ford Focus ST.

Three offenders made their escape in the car after breaking into the Co-Op in Cranfield, Beds at around 11pm last Thursday.

They forced their way in through the back doors and once inside they attacked a cash machine and grabbed the money box inside.

They made off in the Ford along the High Street towards Salford, when the cash box automatically released the red dye, staining the money and the car's interior.

PC Richard Jones, investigating, is keen to speak to any garages approached to work on the car or any valeters who have been asked to clean it.

He also wants to hear from anyone who has seen the car in their street, dumped in a garage area, or being worked on.

He said: "This car would have looked quite a sight with red smoke pouring from the windows and we need to locate anyone who saw it on the night, or has seen it since.

"It's also possible people may recall seeing someone come home with their hands, face or clothes covered in this red dye, or has been offered notes stained in a similar way."

Anyone with information should call Bedfordshire police on 01234 841212 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.