13/03/2008

Arrests Follow ATM Thefts

Thirteen people have been arrested in connection with the theft of more than £2.2 million from cash machines across England - in some cases removing the entire ATM safe.

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that the arrests were made in a series of early morning raids in east London, involving 130 officers.

BTP London South Area Crime Unit Detective Sergeant Paddy Kerr said that the arrests had followed a lengthy police investigation.

He said: "Cash machines - ATMs - have been broken into and on occasions taken from railway stations from Hampshire to Hertfordshire. The group is also believed to be responsible for further offences on Home Office Forces where they have specifically targeted cash machines at garages, service stations and drive-thru fast-food restaurants. Those offences have occurred from Devon to Manchester.

"Since April 2007, we believe this gang is linked to more than 24 offences targeting ATM machines.

"The total loss over the past 18 months is believed to be in excess of £2.2 million, including the theft of cash along with damage to the ATM machines."

DS Kerr said the crimes being investigated had involved the use of heavy-duty machinery to access the ATMs and steal large sums of cash. In some cases, the entire machine was stolen from the location and the money removed afterwards. He said: "As part of the arrests today, police conducted extensive house searches and have seized a good deal of material, which will form part of our ongoing inquiry into this organised criminal gang."

(KMcA)




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