17 attacks on cashpoints
CRIMINAL gangs are using JCBs and even explosives to break into cash machines across the Midlands.
Around 17 thefts have been reported to police across Coventry, Warwickshire and neighbouring Leicestershire since the start of September.
In one of the most recent incidents, more than £44,000 was stolen.
Police forces are still appealing for information that may help them catch the perpetrators - but are not linking the spate of crimes at this stage.
A variety of methods have been used to remove the machines including ram-raids with diggers and bulldozers - and using explosives.
Some attempts have been unsuccessful but some have seen thieves make off with thousands of pounds in cash.
Warwickshire Police have dealt with several attacks in recent months.
In Nuneaton, two Co-op stores have been targeted - one in New Arley where thieves gained access by setting off a small explosion and one in Galley Common where unconfirmed reports suggested £100,000 was taken.
Horeston Grange newsagents in Nuneaton was also targeted this month when ram raiders ripped out an ATM using a JCB.
On Tuesday, November 21, raiders with power tools took just nine minutes to steal a cash point with £44,000 inside from a Nuneaton petrol station site.
They forced their way into a side door at Red Rooster Chicken, based on Central Avenue Service Station, and then used power tools to get to the back of a ATM machine.
The thieves them took the cashbox, which contained £44,000, and fled the scene.
Police later found the empty cash point in nearby Bottrill Street.
The following night there was an attempted theft of an ATM machine from the Co-op in Church Road, Long Itchington.
A yellow JCB was driven into the building but the thieves were unsuccessful and made off in a grey Audi RS4 Estate with partial registration FX15, in the direction of Bascote.
A white Ford Transit van, partial registration WPD, was also seen in the area and may be connected with this incident.
In Rugby, Polskie Delikatesy shop and the Co-op store at Hillmorton have both been targeted.
Warwickshire Police told the Telegraph officers are not formally linking the various attacks in the region but they are working with neighbouring forces.
A spokesperson said: “The detectives investigating the ATM incidents within Warwickshire have confirmed that we are not formally linking them at this stage. Warwickshire Police is continuing to work with colleagues from neighbouring forces to identify any similarities as investigations continue.”
In Coventry a group of two or three raiders used a bulldozer to remove the ATM at another Co-op store on 11 November.
West Midlands Police put out an appeal for information and dashcam footage following the incident on Alfall Road in Stoke.
This week Leicestershire Police made a number of arrests after a series of raids on their patch.
Two men, aged 36 and 31, were arrested in Warwickshire on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.
Det Chief Insp Martin Smalley said: “This is a significant development in our investigation into the series of ATM attacks that have happened across the East Midlands.
“There has been a dedicated team of detectives investigating the recent spate, and our work is still very much ongoing. We appreciate that every incident, regardless of where it has happened, has had an impact on businesses, communities and have caused concern among the wider public. Our message remains the same – please continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity as we remain committed to tackling these crimes.”
A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police confirmed that whilst investigations are ongoing, it is not known whether there is any connection between the latest incidents and those in Coventry and Warwickshire
Incidents in Coventry, Warwickshire and nearby in the last three months:
Nuneaton (Co-op, Gun Hill, Arley) on September 8th
Lutterworth (Co-op) on September 8th
Kibworth (Co-op) on September 27th
Countesthorpe (Co-op, Main Street) on October 4th
Market Harborough (Spar) on October 6th
Rugby (Polskie Delikatesy shop) on October 17th
Nuneaton (Co-op, Galley Common) on October 21st
Lutterworth (Post Office) on October 28th
Leicester (Off License, Cardinals Walk) on October 31st
Rugby (Co-op, Hillmorton) on November 1st
Nuneaton (Horeston Grange News and Post Office) on November 4th
Coventry (Co-op, Alfall Road, Stoke) on November 11th
Nuneaton (Central Avenue Service Station) on November 21st
Cosby (Co-op, Main Street) on November 21st
Nuneaton (Central Avenue Service Station) on November 21st
Hinckley (Tesco Express, London Road) on November 22nd
Long Itchington (Co-op, Church Road) on November 22nd