ATM machines have been ram raided, stores held up and homes burgled in pre-Christmas crime spree across East Cambs.
On Friday night raiders used a teleporter and a fork lift truck in a midnight ram raid on the BP garage at Littleport.
They caused extensive damage and forced the temporary closure of the site which includes an M&S food outlet.
One of the vehicles used was left at the scene and it is being tested for clues by forensic specialists.
It was the third robbery in Littleport this month. Costcutter was hit by ram-raiders on December 9 before burglars targeted the Co-op store in Wisbech Road two days later.
Costcutter in Main Street was first to be hit, with three people stealing a cash machine after smashing into it in a car; the shop was left with smashed windows and doors and a bollard outside was also knocked over.
Last Monday four men forced their way into the Soham branch of Asda, stealing cigarettes before fleeing the area.
In Fordham residents have been warned to ensure their home security is robust after four separate house burglaries within the village in 10 days.
Homes in Hillside Meadow, Trinity Close, Collins Hill and Murfitt’s Lane were broken into and cash and possessions stolen.
Sergeant Phil Priestley said: “There has been an increase in house burglary across the East Cambs region in recent weeks.
“This isn’t a problem that is just focused on Fordham by any means and we have seen similar offences in Ely, Soham, Littleport and Haddenham.”
In Sutton residents rallied to help raise hundreds for the owners of a popular deli after it was broken into twice within one week.
Thieves broke into The Deli @ 65 on High Street and caused damage to fridges, freezers and locks on Sunday December 3.
They also stole hundreds of pounds worth of food and alcohol before returning on Friday December 8, stealing the till, locks, food and drink.
Only last month both Co-op stores in Burwell were targeted by ram raiders – two men have been arrested for alleged involvement in the second raid.
In Stow cum Quy a man threatened staff with a knife before taking the cash drawer from a till during an armed robbery at a post office.
On Tuesday December 5 at 2.30pm, a man entered the post office in Main Street; he approached the till area, pulled a knife out and threatened staff before taking the cash drawer from the till.
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