SURREY Police have insisted they are taking ‘robust action’ after ram raiders struck for a sixth time across the county in August alone.

The thieves have got away with stealing hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process and now seem unconcerned at the risk of being apprehended – even in major towns.

Police and banks have so far refused to confirm how much has been stolen following more than 30 raids in Hampshire and Surrey in the past two years.

Just a week after thieves stole a forklift to rip the Santander cash machine in Haslemere out of the wall, Farnham’s Halifax branch was partly demolished.

In a copycat version of the Haslemere theft, the gang used a stolen forklift to tear out the ATM, at around 3am, on Friday.

The front of the historic building in West Street was left in ruins, after the JCB was used to punch a hole.

It is the second time in less than a year ram raiders have stolen cash points in both Haslemere and Farnham, causing considerable damage in the process.

The Lloyds bank branch in Liphook was hit back in February and only put in a planning application in earlier this month to rebuild the frontage of the building in The Square, and replace the ATM earlier this month, as reporeted by The Herald.

The cash machine at Haslemere railway station was stolen over Christmas.

This week, a police spokesman said: “We have had six ATM thefts across Surrey since the beginning of August.

“We are trying to establish whether these are linked, and working with neighbouring forces as they have suffered similar offences.

“Thefts of ATMs are a growing trend nationally and there are national working groups trying to address the trend and ensure that information is shared correctly and no opportunities are missed from an evidential point of view.

“These thefts will often take place in more isolated locations and some of our areas in Surrey are more vulnerable as they offer easy access to at least two other counties.

“As a force, we are taking these incidents seriously and carrying out enquiries where we can, utilising CCTV, forensics and witness evidence as best as possible.

“We are liaising with other forces to identify organised crime groups which may be responsible for carrying out these offences.

“We will also take robust action to tackle these offenders whenever possible.

“Our crime prevention officers continue to work with companies and businesses to ‘design out’ crime and this would include ensuring these machines are secured with the maximum level of protection to prevent them from being targeted.

“We would continue to encourage the public to report to us straightaway any suspicious vehicles or anyone seen acting suspiciously, as well as anyone with any information relating to any of the specific incidents that have taken place recently.”

Call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 if you can help the police with information.