Police seeking public’s help to tackle ATM raids
DETECTIVES investigating the theft or attempted theft of cash machines in Leicestershire are urging the public to be their eyes and ears in the community.
This year a number of incidents have occurred across the force area where either vehicles have been used to pull ATMs from buildings or gas canisters have been used to open the machines.
In August at the Moto Services at junction 23A of the M1, several men described as being masked were seen trying to gain entry to an ATM by forcing open a fire exit. Once inside they attempted to remove a free-standing ATM before fleeing the scene empty-handed shortly afterwards.
And in January, a stolen JCB was used to take a cash machine from a Rothley post office.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Wid- dowson is overseeing the investigations into the thefts. He said: “We know these incidents are causing a great deal of alarm within the local communities and we are actively investigating all the incidents and working with neighbouring forces to identify any links or similarities with incidents they may have had.
“We are directing our patrols to rural and main arterial routes and working with ATM providers and businesses to improve security.
“A number of officers and staff are involved in the investigations and they are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
“However we also need your help to catch these criminals. The thefts are noisy work and the perpetrators may work up to 15 minutes each time in the middle of the night with lights, this type of activity should grab attention so please be vigilant.
“Report any unusual or suspicious activity immediately to us so we can respond in a timely manner.
“During some incidents heavy plant machinery has been used to extract the cash machines from the walls or buildings, if you see one of these vehicles being driven in the middle of the night, call us. Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure that there is anything untoward we would rather receive the information, we can quickly eliminate any calls where vehicles have been used genuinely.”
Anyone with any information about any of the incidents in Leicestershire is urged to contact 101 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.