A gang raided a Liverpool cash machine this morning in what was the fourth attempt on ATMs across Merseyside in a single week.
Police were called out after a group of men attempted to force access to an ATM on Goodison Road, Everton at 5.25am.
This is the fourth time thieves have attempted cash machine raids in recent days, but this time no money was taken.
Merseyside Police confirmed the gang fled the area in two vehicles before turning left onto Spellow Lane and then left again onto Walton Lane.
CCTV and forensic enquiries are being carried out and an investigation is underway.
Following similar incidents in other locations on Merseyside, police said extra officers have been drafted in and patrols stepped up to ensure local businesses remain safe.
No mention of the method used by the thieves has been made but in a raid on an ATM in Southport on Sunday outside WHSmith, thieves used an “explosive device” to blow the machine apart and escaped with an unknown quantity of cash.
The day after, October 26, there were two reported attempts made to steal from cash machines near Orrell Park Train Station and a BP garage in Aigburth.
The gang first attempted to take an ATM outside of Orrell Park train station at 10.30pm but were reportedly scared off by a passer-by, leaving empty handed.
After being disturbed, they left in a white van and a dark coloured car along Orrell Lane, towards Bootle.
The same group then attempted to make off with an second cash machine from the BP petrol station on Aigburth Road at about 11.25pm.
The group of men fled the scene in a white Transit van, which was found a few minutes later abandoned at the junction of Aigburth Road and Grassendale Road.
The gang are then believed to have got into a black Seat car which drove Grassendale Road and turned left onto Aigburth Road travelling towards the city centre.
Speaking about this morning's attempted raid in Everton, Detective Chief Inspector Gayle Rooney said: “Even though on this occasion the attempt was not successful, we take all incidents of this nature really seriously and an extensive investigation is ongoing.
“Even though it was early morning we know that there was a queue of traffic at the junction of Spellow Lane and Walton Lane and we believe there may be motorists who saw something or captured something significant on dash cam.
“We often see an increase in robbery and theft in the lead-up to Christmas, and we’re investing significant resources into such crimes.
“It is notable that all of these recent incidents have taken place in the early hours of the morning, so I’d also like to ask businesses and the likes of taxi drivers and delivery drivers who use the roads at these times to be vigilant, ensure your CCTV and dashcams are operational, and any issues are raised with us immediately.
“If you see any suspicious behaviour near to ATM machines, or see any unfamiliar vehicles which cause concern, call 999 and we will take action. Likewise, if you have witnessed any of these incidents, or captured anything of note, come forward as it may be the key to our investigation.
“Such crime is completely reckless and those responsible blatantly have no regard for anyone’s safety.
Keep up to date with what's going on in your local area by entering your postcode below.
“We have seen incidents where explosions have been caused, and attempts made to drag ATM machines from locations, both of which cause massive risks to those who live and work nearby, or who may have been passing.
“Previous investigations have shown that we can and will dismantle crime groups responsible.
“We’re working closely with partners including the national Safercash partnership, which works with the industries affected by such crime, and regional forces and businesses.
“In light of these recent incidents, we’re also ensuring that all available crime prevention methods are in place across all businesses which may be at risk.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 or contact the
