Five men have been charged following a series of ATM robberies across Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire, police have revealed.
The group, aged between 29 and 63, have been remanded in custody in connection with 11 offences that took place between May and December 2018, including ram-raid attacks on Co-op stores in Denmead, Rudgwick and Woking, Nutbourne Service Station in Chichester and Sleaford Service Station in Bordon.
The Surrey and Sussex serious organised crime unit conducted a co-ordinated operation with the assistance of Hampshire Constabulary before Christmas, which resulted in the men’s capture. A strike force of 70 officers across the three forces carried out arrests and searches at a number of properties in the South of England.
Jason Mobey, 40, of Macdonald Road, Farnham, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary (non-dwelling and dwelling), conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to commit robbery. Mobey will appear at Guildford Crown Court on January 18.
A second man, Jimmy Shea, 24, of Nursery Road, Alton, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary (non-dwelling) and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. Meanwhile, Les Keet, 29, of Cobbetts Close, in Normandy near Guildford, will remain in custody over charges for conspiracy to commit burglary (non-dwelling and dwelling), conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to commit robbery.
Both Eric Summerfield, 63, of Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, and Melvyn Beech, 47, of Kingston Road, Leatherhead, were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary (dwelling) and conspiracy to commit robbery. A sixth man was arrested but later released on bail.
Commenting on the offences, a Surrey Police spokesman said: “ATM theft is a national issue and we have seen organised criminal gangs targeting more rural locations across the country including in Surrey and our neighbouring counties. In the meantime, we would continue to encourage the public to report any suspicious vehicles or anyone seen acting suspiciously, as well as anyone with any information relating to any of the specific incidents that have taken place recently.
“If you have any information which could assist, please call us on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
No comments yet