REWARDS of up to £25,000 have been offered for information which could help police prosecute thieves who steal cash machines.

In the past six months, at least ten thefts and attempted thefts of ATMs have been reported around Yorkshire, including machines in Haxby and just last week, Elvington.

York Press:

The scene at Elvington after the attempted theft last week

LINK, the UK’s cash machine network, together with the Crimestoppers charity has pledged rewards to anyone who can provide information which helps police prosecute thieves, but also fraudsters and scammers who use the ATM network.

Graham Mott, from LINK, said: “We’re urging the public to come forward with any information that they may have about cash machine crime, for example card skimming or physical attacks on cash machines themselves.

Even something that may sound insignificant could be part of a bigger picture and prove invaluable in convicting someone involved in cash machine crime.”

Four people were arrested in the early hours of Sunday 24 May, following the attempted theft of a freestanding ATM from Elvington.

Two police vehicles were also damaged in the incident, and all four men - from the York area - have been charged with attempted theft. One has also been charged with dangerous driving and failure to stop for police officers.

Three men from the Doncaster area are currently on police bail over the theft of cash machines around Yorkshire, including the ATM at the Haxby Co-Op, which was removed by a stolen JCB in January.

LINK is also reminding people how important it is to shield your PIN when using a cash machine.

Mr Mott urged users to stand close to the ATM and shield the keypad with their hand when entering their PIN, and report any unusual activity or devices attached to the machine.

Anyone with information which could assist police is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.