PLAN TO BLOW OPEN ATM
DEVASTATED OWNER SAYS ‘SCUMBAG’ THIEVES PUT PEOPLE AT RISK
A ‘suspicious device’ has been found attached to a cash machine in Stalybridge. Police have confirmed that a device was found at the ATM at Gulf Petrol Station on Huddersfield Road. The road was closed off while officers and fire crews investigated the area. It is understood the device was intended to blow up the cash point.
A PETROL station owner has told how a new security system foiled a gang who tried to blow open a cash machine on his forecourt.
The attack at David Hockenhull’s Gulf petrol station in Stalybridge was only thwarted by a device inside the ATM.
Seven months ago thieves caused extensive damage to the petrol station when they used the same technique to blow open the cash machine and plunder £30,000.
A new ATM was installed which included a suppressor which prevented the thieves from detonating gas they had pumped into it.
The latest drama happened while the Huddersfield Road petrol station was closed shortly before 6.55am yesterday.
The road was closed and the emergency services found the equipment attached to the cash machine.
The garage owner, Mr Hockenhull, 38, from Sale, told the M.E.N.: “It could have caused a huge explosion. This is a petrol station so obviously there is a lot of fuel here. There are young families who live opposite.
“The people who did this are scumbags. It’s disgusting. They just don’t care at all. It’s devastating.”
He recalled how an identical technique had succeeded in September when the blast caused severe damage to the petrol station, his shop and scattered cash into the air.
Mr Hockenhull added: “It caused serious damage. I had to have new pumps installed and new security cameras. I’m just trying to grow my business.”
He said his insurance had paid out for the damage caused in September but he pointed out his premium had since increased and estimated he had lost about £5,000 in trade and associated costs.
A series of cash machines across Greater Manchester have been targeted in the same way.
Anyone with information about yesterday’s incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 283 of May 9.