THE Leeton Soldiers Club has been left shocked and devastated following an attempted ram raid at the business this week.
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Three unknown offenders crashed their way into the club at 4.30am on Thursday from the back door entrance while inside a Toyota Hilux utility.
Police said the vehicle, which was first white in colour when it was stolen from a home at Yanco on January 13, had been painted in camouflage colours after it was taken.
The damage to the building was considerable in terms of not just the structure being compromised making it unsafe, but inside as well.
The poker machine area was trashed as were any other items that were in the way of the destructive offenders.
However, all that "effort" appears to have been for nothing, according to Murrumbidgee Police District Commander, Superintendent Craig Ireland.
Three men were seen on CCTV getting out of the vehicle, attempting to steal a cash machine, before fleeing in the ute empty-handed.
It is believed they attempted to take this cash machine with them on the back of the ute, but it fell off the back of the vehicle as they made their escape.
The vehicle was last seen travelling on Gidgee Street in Leeton.
"Forensic examinations are taking place and our investigators are in the process of trying to identify the persons involved using CCTV footage," Superintendent Ireland said.
"The vehicle remains outstanding so we would like to turn that up.
"We think there are locals involved."
Originally it was difficult for investigators to gain access to the scene as the buildings structure was compromised.
The Leeton Soldiers Club had been due to start renovation work in the coming weeks as it looked to rebound from a difficult year following the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions.
"A small community like Leeton, this impacts on people's jobs and just the amenity of the town with the club being forced to close for a few days as a result of this," Superintendent Ireland said.
"The financial impact is great. It could not have come at a worst time for the club. They are trying to restore their trade after a tough year and now they've had to close their doors again."
Detectives have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam vision to contact police.
