RESIDENTS of Hatherleigh this week called for more police on the streets — their plea issued in the wake of the audacious theft of a cash machine from the town last weekend.

A gang of thieves disguised as workmen used a stolen forklift truck to smash into NatWest Bank on Bridge Street at 3.15am on Saturday.

The damage left a 10ft by 9ft hole in the front of the building.

The 4x4 vehicle used to flee the scene has now been recovered by police. It was found at Lewdown.

The forklift truck used to ram a hole in the side of the bank was stolen from the Bideford area between Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19.

West Devon ward member for Hatherleigh, Meeth and Highhampton, Cllr Dennis Bater, said: 'People are shocked, but they are not frightened.

'It's a big inconvenience that the bank is now shut and people are already finding it a pain to do the 14-mile round trip to Okehampton just to go to the bank.

'They also worry about carrying money around.'

The incident is the sixth major crime to take place in Hatherleigh in the last few years.

Two years ago an armed robbery took place at the Co-op, as well as a helicopter search after agricultural machinery was stolen in the town.

On Boxing Day in 2008 there was an arson attack on the George Hotel.

Cllr Bater added: 'The people of Hatherleigh wish there was a stronger police presence in the town and they feel a bit vulnerable with everything that has gone on — and now this.

'I have heard that some people did hear a scraping noise — it was reported and the police said they were on their way.

'I just hope this will make the police come to Hatherleigh.

'We've had several changes of community support officers and the police have admitted there have been periods when they've had to stretch the area because of promotions and sickness.

'Hopefully this will highlight the need for more police in Hatherleigh and I will definitely be mentioning it at our next link meeting.'

Police are appealing