A REWARD of up to £25,000 could be claimed for information about the theft of a cash machine.

Raiders forced their way into Spar, in High Street, Silverdale, at around 3.45am last Thursday and ripped out the ATM using a harness tied to a van.

They managed to load the cash machine on to a vehicle and drive away without waking neighbours.

Now cash machine network LINK and charity Crimestoppers are reminding people they work in partnership to provide rewards relating to cash machine crime across the country.

Graham Mott, senior LINK spokesman, said: "Even something that may sound insignificant could be part of a bigger picture and prove invaluable in convicting someone."

Detective Chief Inspector John Osibote, head of the Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU), added: "Any relevant information passed through to Crimestoppers will be used to help track down and arrest those responsible.

"This will not only disrupt criminal activity but also send out a clear message that we are cracking down hard on those carrying out crimes of this nature."

Part of High Street was cordoned off on Thursday for forensic examination.

Police later recovered a stolen Mercedes A200, believed to be connected to the raid, from the Heathcote Road area of Halmerend at 4.15am.

Staffordshire Police detectives are continuing to investigate the incident.

A spokesman said: "Officers have carried out extensive house-to-house inquiries in the area and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry."

Ian Richards, aged 38, who lives one door away from where the incident took place in High Street, said he hoped the culprits were caught soon.

The 38-year-old said: "It is very disturbing that I did not hear anything even though my windows are single glazed. It is generally a very quiet place to live."

Barbara Pickerill, aged 74, also of High Street, said: "I think what happened is absolutely deplorable.

"This used to be a nice little village. I just feel sorry for the people who work in the shop.

"Everyone is talking about the incident and saying how awful it is."

Elizabeth Ackerley, aged 44, of Park Road, Silverdale, who works at nearby care home Brighton House, added: "I'm in the local Neighbourhood Watch and heard about it through that.

"I'm not surprised about what happened at all. I think it is just a sign of the times."

The LINK and Crimestoppers partnership aims to support police and inform the public how they can protect themselves.

It also works closely with different police agencies and departments, including the DCPCU, which is sponsored by the banking industry.

LINK is urging people with information regarding the Silverdale incident to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, anonymously if necessary.

Alternatively, they can contact DS Steve Chadwick on 0300 123 44 55.