Ballarat police Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Steve Howard said three offenders drove to the Mr Magic Car Wash on Geelong Road about 2am yesterday in a white tray truck – possibly stolen from an address in Sebastopol earlier on Thursday night.

Detective Sergeant Howard said the offenders appeared to have driven over a teller machine, ripping it out from where it was bolted to the concrete before lifting it onto the back of the truck and fleeing the scene down Recreation Road.

Detective Sergeant Howard said the theft amounted to a considerable amount of money.

“The machine itself is worth $31,500 and the proprietor believes there was approximately $1500 cash inside,” he said.

Anyone who may have information about the incident is urged to contact Ballarat Police on 5336 6000 or Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000.