POLICE are encouraging people to be vigilant of any suspicious behaviour around ATM machines in Wyre Forest, after a heavy plant machine was stolen in Kidderminster on Thursday night.

Officers believe a Manitou JCB-style vehicle, stolen from Easter Park Industrial Estate at around 9pm on January 17, may have been taken in preparation for an attack on a cash machine.

When officers located the stolen vehicle, the offender used it to reverse into a marked police car. The Manitou was then driven into a nearby field, where the driver escaped.

In the last few days, large plant machinery has also been stolen from Stourport and Wolverley.

Inspector Jake Wright, of West Mercia Police, said: "Whilst the theft of plant machinery is the primary offence, vehicles like these are sometimes stolen in preparation for other crimes including attacks on ATM machines.

"An attack on an ATM in Bewdley late last year was called into police quickly allowing us to attend and arrest those responsible.

"I encourage anyone who sees anything suspicious around ATM machines to call us on 999.

"Furthermore, should anyone see heavy plant machinery moving after normal business hours please get in touch on the same number so we can make sure the vehicle is travelling legitimately."