Slippery thieves fail to steal Stanhope ATM

In the process a number of large 20-litre barrels of hydraulic oil were knocked over, spilling onto the floor.

Owner Aum Modi said he believed the oil had stopped the offenders taking the ATM.

“They tried to take it with a rope but with the mess that the oil made, they weren't able to,” he said.

“It's taken a while to clean up but it hasn't been too bad — I don't care about the money, I just care about life and no one was hurt so that is good.”

The store is fully insured.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area to come forward. Investigations are ongoing.