Raiders smashed their way into a village supermarket and tried to open two cash machines with a welding torch.
The intruders failed to open the machines at Budgens in Granite Way, Mountsorrel yesterday morning (TUES JUL 29) but escaped with a safe which police said contained cash.
The intruders forced their way into the shop by forcing open a security shutter protecting a ground floor window.
The break-in happened between 3.55am and 4.05am.
Detective Constable David Ball said: "From inquiries conducted so far we believe a black car similar to a an estate type vehicle may have been used the suspects.
"If you heard or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area during the early hours of this morning we need to speak to you.
"Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help with our inquiries. Any calls received will be treated in confidence."
Contact Det Con Ball on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.
