GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING after a JCB front loader crashed into a Supervalu in Ballydaheen, Mallow, Co Cork, during what is believed to have been an attempted burglary.

The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and it’s understood that no shop staff were on the premises at the time.

It is believed the suspects were targeting an ATM located inside Dano’s Supervalu near the front door.

The suspects left the JCB behind them at the shop entrance, having been unable to enter.

In a statement, gardaí said they received a report of an incident of burglary at the premises at around 1.30am.

Local councillor Liam Madden said the attempted break in was “reckless” and delayed Supervalu opening today.

The shop, as well as the adjoining post office, reopened by 11am after being forced to close for most of the morning.

Customers are told to enter the shop via the pharmacy entrance, while the scene is being investigated and the front door is being repaired.

The Supervalu is a “prominent business” in the town and many people depend on it, said Madden.

“It just shows what people are prepared to do now,” he said. “That’s the sad thing about it.” 

Gardaí said investigations are ongoing.