SHOP owners targeted by a ram raid were left moved by the ‘exceptional’ support from their community.

The Spar store in Bodicote, near Banbury, became the seventh Oxfordshire business to be hit by ram raiders in recent months, thieves striking at about 4.30am last Wednesday.

The store, which includes a post office, had been burgled on two other occasions in the past three months.

A crowdfunding page was set up to help owners Sally and Stuart Read beef up the shop’s security and deter any other raiders.

The initial target of £1,500 was smashed within one day and yesterday afternoon stood at £5,295.

Mrs Read said: “The community are exceptional.

“I can’t imagine this kind of response happening very often.

“It really has been extraordinary the amount of support we’ve had.

“I knew that we were appreciated but this has really brought it home.

“It’s been a real eye opener.”

Four men used a stolen Land Rover Discovery in an attempt to remove the cash machine from the Spar in Molyneux Drive.

But the thieves left the scene empty handed, abandoning the stolen vehicle in the process.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Chris Whitwell, from Banbury force CID, said: “We are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident.

“The offenders did not get away with any cash and the vehicle has now been recovered by police.”

This is now the seventh ram raid to take place in the county in recent months.

Police are unable to confirm whether the incidents are connected.

Aldi in Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, was targeted on December 12.

Then, on January 2, thieves struck the Co-op Food store in Enstone Road, Charlbury.

A week later, the Co-op in Savile Way, Grove, was hit by ram raiders.

Aldi in Horspath Driftway, Headington, was raided on Saturday, February 3.

Morrisons in Black Bourton Road, Carterton, was targeted on Thursday, March 8.

Waitrose in Botley Road, Oxford, was victim to a ram-raid style burglary in the early hours of Sunday, March 11.

A 37-year-old man from Carterton was arrested on suspicion of burglary following the ram-raid style offence at Waitrose in Oxford.

He has since been released under investigation.

Early last week police said they were working with partner agencies and neighbouring police forces to tackle ram raiders.

To support Sally and Stuart Read go to bit.ly/2pgXcSr

A quiz night to raise more funds for the couple will be held at Church House in Bodicote, at 7.30pm on Friday, April 13.