THE owner of the Liberty Stanhope fuel and convenience store on the Midland Highway has been left in shock after thieves smashed the front doors and tried to take the store's ATM early Monday morning.
Police believe a Nissan Navara that was stolen in Echuca before the incident and found broken down close to the scene was used in the attempted robbery.
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.