A CUMBRIA police chief has said the force is no soft touch and the county no easy target for ATM thefts.

It comes as new figures have revealed that ATM attacks have doubled across the country in the past four years.

The details, published by the independent charity Crimestoppers, estimated the cost of ATM attacks to communities across the country over the past year is about £150m.

Earlier this month, a gang of eight men from Cumbria were jailed for a total of nearly 40 years after targetting a number of cashpoint machines in the county.

The gang, who were snared during Operation Rumble by Cumbria Police, were handed sentences stretching from seven years to three years at Carlisle Crown Court.

ATMs in places including Maryport, Whitehaven, Cockermouth, Silloth, Workington and Brampton were all targeted by the criminal group.

The men either admitted conspiracy to steal or were found guilty of conspiracy to burgle following the trial.

Reacting to the statistics, Detective Chief Inspector Nick Coughlan told the News & Star: “ATMs are community assets and the damage and destruction caused by ATM attacks hits businesses and residents.

“The aftermath of this type of crime is often shocking to see and makes people feel unsafe.

“A conspiracy to target ATMs is a conspiracy against the community.”

DCI Coughlan added: “Anybody considering such an attack – whether they be in Cumbria or from outside the county – should know we have a strong record of catching and prosecuting people involved in this type of crime.

“Cumbria Constabulary is no soft touch and the county is no easy target.”

Fiona McCormack, Crimestoppers director of operations, said: “ATM crime is not victimless, it has an effect on the individuals, business and the wider community who heavily rely on their services.

“Despite the fact that up to four out of five ATM attacks result in no money being stolen, the attack means that the cash machine can be out of action for weeks, denying local residents of access to local banking, harming businesses on our high streets.

“Criminals are often known to use the proceeds of their crime to fund drug and firearms trade.

“The growing number of attacks over the last year is particularly alarming to people and companies in rural areas as the knock-on effect is so much more damaging.”

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