Station raiders take £2.2million

1:04pm Thursday 13th March 2008

Police have swooped on a gang responsible for a series of raids on cashpoints in Staines, West Norwood and Walton-on-Thames.

British Transport Police arrested 13 people in dawn raids linked to the theft of more than £2.2million from cash machines at railway stations.

The gang allegedly used heavy duty machinery to break in to the ATMs and steal large sums of cash. In some cases, the entire machine was carried away and the money removed later.

BTP London south area crime unit Detective Sergeant Paddy Kerr said the arrests were as a result of a lengthy nationwide police investigation.

"We have had a dedicated team of officers working tirelessly on this case for several months," D Sgt Kerr said.

"Cash machines 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.

"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."

"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," he said.