Jailed for blowing up cash machines
Got away with £120,000 in cash
FOUR men have been jailed after blowing up cash machines across London, including one in Uxbridge.
The gang targeted numerous ATMs in west London including in Harrow and Twickenham.
The Metropolitan Police said it was sheer luck that no passers by were injured as a result of the explosions, some of which happened at petrol stations.
The men pumped gas into the machines and triggered the explosion with an electrical charge.
However, on some occasions, the offenders were forced to leave empty handed, as whilst extensive damage was sustained by the property housing the machine, they could not get to the cash.
Detectives first launched an investigation after a total of £120,000 was stolen following a series of 10 burglaries at cash machines over the course of one month between August 9 and September 8.
Following numerous enquiries and the release of CCTV footage, all four members of the gang were arrested on September 8 in connection with five burglaries and five attempted burglaries at 10 cash machines in petrol stations and shops. DAMAGE:
“This crime network caused a series of large explosions in petrol stations and it was by sheer luck that no unsuspecting members of the public were injured as they passed by,” said detective inspector Mark Bedford of the Met Police.
“There has been substantial inconvenience caused to local communities who rely on the services of the ATMs and also extensive damage to small business properties estimated to be in excess of £200,000.”
Trevor McCarthy, 43, of Barlby Road in Ladbroke Grove was one of the four men involved, and he was sentenced to 10 years and eight months behind bars.
Ray Abraham, 36 of Hobart Drive, Hythe, Southampton was sentenced to 11 years and four months imprisonment, 36-yearold Daniel Dorkin of Baynard Close, Basingstoke, Hampshire was given 11 years behind bars and 40-year-old Gary Mills of Fleetwood Close, Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison.
All four men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to commit criminal damage and recklessness endangering life on Tuesday December 20 at Kingston Crown Court.
Police advise anyone who witnesses a cash machine interference, to remain a safe distance away from the ATM and call 999. CONVICTED: