The number of cash machines being stolen or tampered with in Kent is at its highest point for 10 years.

Police statistics reveal there were 24 incidents relating to ATMs between April 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019, compared to just 11 between 2006 and 2007.

This comes as a shop remains shut in Sevenoaks after thieves tried to take its cash machine last night.

There have been at least 11 attempted ATM thefts so far in 2019, four of which were successful.

Incidents include a digger being used to smash into the front of a Sainsbury's in Hempstead Valley and another digger reported to have been used to remove a cash machine at the Co-op in Watchgate near Darenth last month.

The number of cash machines stolen or tampered with in the last 10 years, from April 1 to March 31 respectively, are shown in the graphic below.

Of the 24 ATM-related crimes between April 1 2018 and March 31 2019, 11 of these were incidents of criminal damage or tampering with no money stolen and 10 were attempted thefts.

Three saw complete removal and theft of a cash machine.

Detective Sergeant Jason Booth of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: "The increased number of incidents relating to cash machines in Kent reflects a national trend and is something we take very seriously.

"We are committed to investigating all such crimes and have made a number of arrests over the last 12 months of people we suspect of being responsible.

Darenth residents were shocked after their local Co-op was ram raided last month

"We understand each time an attempt to steal a cash machine takes place, it can cause considerable damage to businesses and the local community.

"Our officers work closely with cash machine providers and local businesses to provide crime prevention advice and promote ways in which they can keep their machines and premises secure."

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