A specialist police squad has been formed in Bradford to tackle a new trend - criminals ripping out cash machines from banks and stores.

The city has emerged as the main target during a string of brazen raids across West Yorkshire which have netted thieves hundreds of thousands of pounds.

It is thought one gang may have masterminded a number of initial attacks and when other offenders realised the potential earnings involved, a tide of 'copy cat' offences followed.

Since September 2001, 38 machines have been targeted in Bradford with 12 more in Leeds, 11 in Calderdale and eight in Dewsbury. During more than 80 raids across the county, about £288,000 has been stolen.

The highly-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 it on to an awaiting 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 said a dedicated team from the Major Crime Unit 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 called on firms to take a number of simple steps.

"Smashing through shop windows obviously causes a huge amount of destruction to the premises and can leave stock useless," said Det Insp Thompson.

"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."

Two Bradford men, aged 26 and 23, have been jointly charged in connection with three raids in Bradford and Huddersfield. The 26-year-old faces an additional charge relating to another offence in North Yorkshire.

A 19-year-old from Leeds has been charged in connection with three offences in Leeds and Halifax.