Cambridgeshire cash machines to be protected from ram-raids

The mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said ram-raids impacted "the most vulnerable". Pictured is CCTV from an incident in Bedford

Up to £100,000 is due to be spent on a project protecting cash machines from being stolen.

Police identified 14 cash machine locations in south Cambridgeshire that they said were at "high" risk of being targeted.

A report to South Cambridgeshire District Council said heavy duty planters would be installed as protection at "viable sites".

The first planters will be installed at the Co-op in School Lane, Cambourne. 

"Cash machines remain important for many of us, despite the continued trend towards online banking," said Liberal Democrat Bill Handley, the council's cabinet member for communities.

"They provide an important service, especially for people who have problems with mobility or who are unable to use online services.

"Ram-raiding ATMs isn't just about stealing money; it's a destructive act that disrupts daily life and undermines our sense of security."

Police want to reduce the vulnerability of ATMs in rural areas

Mr Handley hoped the planters would help prevent "or at least slow down" thieves and provide a pleasant addition to high streets.

Installation of the planters at Cambourne was agreed at the council's cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Det Ch Insp Chris O'Brien from Cambridgeshire Police said: "This innovation and joint working showcases our commitment to tackling serious and organised crime within the county."

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The £100,000 funding is being provided by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

The authority's mayor Nik Johnson said: "Ram-raids on cash machines can be distressing for communities and often disproportionately impact the most vulnerable in our communities."