Police to ramp up measures in fight against Cambridgeshire ram-raiders
The force is telling communities to expect more officers on our streets
We're being told to expect more police on some of Cambridgeshire's streets this winter as the fight against ram raiders continues.
It's in response to ram raids that took place in Whittlesey, Linton and Bassingbourn last month, the latest in a string of ATM thefts over the last two years in the county.
Cambridgeshire Police say there has been an average of 10 ram raids a year in the last 10 years.
Detective chief inspector Chris O'Brien is the force's lead investigating these crimes:
"Quite often these premises, ATM machines, are a lifeline for many residents so we understand the trauma and stress that it brings," he said.
"At this time of year, we do recognise offences are more likely to occur.
"We've adopted it (dealing with ram raids) as a force priority so the public can expect to see increased vigilance and police presence in our more rural communities where these offences more typically occur."
Huntingdonshire, South Cambs and Fenland hit hardest
Last year, police found Huntingdonshire to have the most ATM thefts over the previous 10 years with 30, while South Cambridgeshire was next highest with 23.
In January, a cash machine was stolen and the shopfront was damaged at the Nisa store in Chatteris, while ram raids also took place in Cambridge, Walsoken and Yaxley.
Mr O'Brien said ram raids generally increase in the winter months, both in the run-up and after Christmas.
"We're working with businesses and communities to put measures in place to make it harder for ATM machines and commercial premises to be attacked," Mr O'Brien said.
"Other tactics (will also be) in place which in the event of an attack, will help police target and identify the offenders.
"It's often planning which the public may see and feel uneasy about and think it's not normal behaviour they see in their community; trust your gut, and if your gut's telling you something's not quite right, please report it to police."
What can the public do to help?
Cambridgeshire Police have given some tips on how to spot the signs of a possible ram raid:
- High-powered vehicles: any high-performance cars for example that are parked in neighbourhoods and not usually seen in your community, particularly in darkness
- Plant material: vehicles like a JCB digger moving especially in the hours of darkness, call 999 - JCBs do not usually drive in darkness and could be connected to crime
- Convoy of vehicles: if you see a flat bed truck or a fast car travelling together, for instance, this may not be typically seen and should be reported to police
- ATM machines: report any instances of people appearing to be paying attention to ATM machines, including taking photos or unauthorised people attaching ‘out of order’ signs to give an impression the machine is not working properly
- Consider installing video doorbells or CCTV