Manhunt launched after gang break into two Fife shops and attempt to steal ATM

A manhunt has been launched after a gang broke into two stores and attempted to steal an ATM in Fife.

Officers were alerted to the first theft at the Totally Hardware store on Burntisland’s High Street at around 1.30am on Wednesday morning.

The group fled the scene in a black Audi after they attempted to steal the store’s ATM. Detectives are working to establish what items were stolen.

At around 2am, police were then alerted to a second theft at a Premier Store on Lochgelly’s Auchterderran Road.

The men involved made off a short time later in a dark-coloured Audi.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Thompson said: “We are appealing to the public for any information into these two linked incidents.

“We are carrying out enquiries and gathering CCTV from in and around both areas to gain more detail on those responsible and establish what has been stolen.

“The car involved had a registration number starting with SV57. Officers are also looking into reports of the vehicle driving dangerously on the A92 between Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath on Wednesday morning.

“I would urge anyone with any information that could assist our investigation to contact us. If you have any personal footage or dash-cam from these areas, please review it and get in touch if it holds anything which may be relevant.”

Those with information have been urged to contact 101 quoting incident number 0174 of March 18, 2026. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained