A GANG who attempted a ram-raid Bordon's Somerfield store in the early hours of Monday left empty-handed after being disturbed by staff.
Whitehill police are hunting for a group of three, all believed to be male, who reversed a green Cherokee Jeep through a window near the beers, wines and spirits aisle of the supermarket at around 12-30 am.
Inspector Gerry Thorne said: "The Cherokee was stolen from Farnham and was used to smash the outside window of Somerfield."
Police say that the gang, who were all wearing balaclavas, attempted to enter the store but fled once they realised that staff were still inside.
A Somerfield spokesman told The Herald: "After they had reversed the jeep into the store the men were met by seven night staff members who were just closing down, so they panicked and and took nothing.
"We continued trading as usual the next day."
The spokesman said that a police car gave chase to the Cherokee, which was eventually abandoned in Farnham.
She said: "The seven members of staff were quite traumatised and some of them will be offered counselling because they were only a few metres away from the window when the ram-raid took place."
In light of the attempted raid security is being stepped up at the supermarket.
The spokesman said: "In the past we have always relied on the security staff of the shopping centre, but we are now employing our own security staff full time."
Inspector Thorne said that police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the ram-raiders driving the jeep or stealing or dumping the vehicle in Farnham.
Witnesses are urged to contact officers at Whitehill police station on 0845 045 45 45.