A Crossflatts mini-market has become the latest victim of a cash-machine crime wave.

Gangs of thieves are ripping machines from banks and stores and racing away with the money in high-speed vehicles.

Almost £300,000 has been stolen during more than 80 raids across West Yorkshire over the past 18 months.

A specialist police squad has now been formed in Bradford district, which has suffered more than half the attacks.

The latest raids came in the early hours of last Thursday, at 12.50am, at the One Stop shop, in Keighley Road, Crossflatts.

Detective Inspector Trevor Gasson (pictured) of Keighley police, said the thieves must have made a lot of noise as they smashed their way into the shop.

He says: "They dragged the machine through the wall and out on to the pavement, leaving some of the money around the shop."

Anyone who heard or saw the incident on February 13 should phone Keighley CID on 01535 617083 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police believe one gang may have masterminded the initial attacks in late 2001, and when other offenders realised the potential earnings involved they began a tide of 'copycat' offences.

The organised teams of criminals use a stolen lorry or other powerful vehicle to drag the cash machines from their mountings in bank walls or inside convenience stores.

They then load them on to a waiting van or HGV and escape from the scene.

It is believed some gangs have posed as workmen to disguise themselves, donning donkey jackets and carrying tools.

And they have been known to take along stolen high-powered getaway vehicles, such as Subura Imprezas, to speed away from the scene if the police arrive.

Detective Inspector Chris Thompson, from the Major Crime Unit, said a dedicated team had been dispatched to Bradford.

"Although a number of these incidents have taken place at banking premises, the majority have targeted smaller businesses which have on-site machines.

"These are extremely vulnerable because criminals see them as an access to substantial amounts of money," he said.

He called on firms to take a number of simple steps.

Det Insp Thompson added: "Many premises carry signs advertising the fact there is a cash machine there. Don't make this an open invitation for criminals."

He added: "Make sure the machine is securely fixed to a wall using iron brackets or, if possible, make sure it's surrounded by bricks and mortar."