Thieves snatch £15k in raid spree on car park pay machines
THIEVES have stolen thousands of pounds in a series of raids on car park pay and display machines in Macclesfield.
Machines at six largely town centre locations have been targeted in the last few weeks, sometimes even in broad daylight.
The car parks to fall victim so far are Waters Green, Duke Street, Christchurch, Gas Road, Jordangate and Whalley Hayes and now drivers have been asked to remain vigilant.
It is part of a spate across Cheshire East that also includes Congleton, Crewe and Nantwich that has seen a total of £15,000 stolen and £10,000 worth of damage caused.
Macclesfield has been among the worst hit areas and suffered similar thefts towards the end of last year focused on Jordangate and Whalley Hayes car parks.
Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is a targeted crime against our taxpayers and we ask anyone using our car parks to be on the look out for suspicious behaviour.
“This is not a victimless crime.
“Not only has the car park money been stolen, it is also our tax-payers who have to pick up the bill to repair or replace these damaged machines.
“This diverts essential money away from other areas of the council, which is there to provide vital services to the most vulnerable people in our community.”
Police have been informed of the thefts.
And anyone who sees suspicious activity is asked to phone the police rather than tackle the perpetrator.
In October last year officers said that it was likely a drill had been used to get into the machines, which would have created noise.
Work is now taking place to fix the damage caused.
Coun Browne said: “We apologise for the inconvenience these thefts are causing our car park users and we are working to repair or replace the machines as soon as possible.
“Motorists can still pay for their parking by using the other options displayed in the car park.”
Anyone with information or who wishes to report suspicious behaviour can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“This is a targeted crime against our taxpayers”