The number of UK cash machines being targeted by criminals has risen, with nearly two a day being attacked

There were 635 reported incidents in 2008, a rise of 17% on a year earlier, prompting an offer of rewards of up to £25,000 for tip-offs about the crime.

Figures released by machine operator Link also showed that fraud via cash machines cost £37m in 2007.

Many of these involved skimming devices being fitted to machines to copy a customer's card details.

Among the techniques used are miniature cameras being fitted to record Pin numbers as they are typed in.

They can then be used to create a fake card to use in other machines.

Information

Graham Mott, from Link, said: "We're urging the public to pass on information that they may have about cash machine crime, for example card skimming or physical attacks on cash machines themselves.

"Even something that may sound insignificant could be part of a bigger picture and prove invaluable in convicting someone involved in cash machine crime."

Detective Chief Inspector John Folan, of the Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU), said: "Tackling cash machine fraud is a continuing priority for the DCPCU, and a joined-up initiative of this nature has our full support.

"Any relevant information passed through to Crimestoppers will be used to help track down and arrest those responsible - which 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."