Thieves use bobcat in ATM raid

Thieves have used a bobcat to smash through the entrance of a shopping centre on the outskirts of Newcastle and steal an automatic teller machine.

The ramraid took place at Elermore Vale early Sunday morning, police say.

The stolen loader was driven into the front entrance of the shopping centre on Croudace Road about 3.45am, causing significant damage to the building.

Two free standing ATM's were dislodged by the impact but only one was taken.