FIGURES reveal there were 31 thefts and attempted thefts involving ATMs in Cumbria during a five-year period.

Data acquired by the News & Star under the Freedom of Information Act, shows that between 2015 and 2019 that Cumbria Constabulary recorded 31 in the last five years across the county, with all annual totals between three and nine.

The 31 incidents included five in Carlisle, two in Cockermouth, one in Penrith, one in Tebay, two in Kirkby Stephen, three in Whitehaven, one in Coniston and one in Wigton.

Figures remained fairly steady during the period, with five in 2015, three in 2016, nine in 2017, eight in 2018 and six in 2019.

The month with the highest number during the five-year period was February with seven.

On the ATM offences Cumbria Constabulary have dealt with, Detective Chief Inspector David Cooper said: “ATMs are most commonly targeted by organised crime groups from outside the county.

“Attacks in Cumbria are rare but typically follow regional trends.

“We work with regional partners to identify such groups and also work with commercial partners to prevent such attacks.

“In one example, an investigation by Cumbria Constabulary led to eight men being jailed for a total of nearly 40 years."

DCI Cooper is appealing for help from the public.

“The public can play their part in helping us catch such offenders," he explained.

“By reporting a suspicious incident or criminal action they could help catch criminals who have no regard for the effect these crimes have on people.

“Suspicious activity could be a vehicle that appears out of place in the area of a cash delivery – or people loitering around such a premises.

“We would urge anyone with any such information to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information that might support officers in their investigations is asked to contact 101.

Alternatively, they can email 101@cumbria.police.uk.

Or, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.