RAMRAIDERS targeted stores with a car in a brazen attempt to steal cash and goods.

The culprits were left empty hands after the attempt at the East of England Co-op in Brantham failed because of security measures newly installed by the supermarket chain.

It was one of three stores across Suffolk hit on Monday night.

A further East of England Co-op was targeted in Combs Ford, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, and a McColl’s in Ipswich.

The thieves failed to take anything from either Co-op.

A spokesperson for the East of England Co-op, said: “I can confirm that two incidents took place at East of England Co-op stores over night– an attempted burglary at our Combs Ford Supermarket, and an attempted ram raid at our store at Acacia Court, Brantham.

“Our Combs Ford Supermarket reopened this morning and our Brantham store is currently closed whilst Scenes of Crime Officers carry out their investigations, before repairs are made and the store is tidied.

“These attempted burglaries were thwarted by our state-of-the-art alarm receiving centre, which enables us to monitor each of our stores 24 hours a day. We’ve also introduced further security measures across our stores, including physical barriers

“Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police, or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

The incidents began when a car drove into the front of the East of England Co-op in Combs Ford, just before midnight on Monday.

A car then drove into the front of the Co-op in Brantham 40 minutes later.

Just before 1am a car reversed into a McColl's in Ipswich. It is not known what was taken.

Officers were searching for a silver estate car thought to have been involved in at least two of the raids.

Suffolk Police said it was linking the incidents.

It is the second time in as many months the Brantham Co-op has been targeted by crooks.

In November hooded men armed with a meat cleaver raided the store while it was open and terrorised staff. No one was hurt but money was taken from the tills and two bottles of spirits were also taken.

Anyone with information should call Suffolk Police on 101.