Five Surrey men have pleaded guilty to conspiring over cash machine thefts following an extensive investigation.

Surrey Police said that the offending period extended from May 2018 to December 2018, affecting locations in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.

The men have been remanded in custody until they attend Hove Crown Court for sentencing on June 7, 2019.

Police issued further details of those responsible for what it said was an instance of organized crime in the county.

One of the men in question was Melvyn Beech, 47, of Kingston Road, Leatherhead, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery.

Jason Mobey, 40, of Macdonald Road, Farnham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary (non-dwelling) and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Jimmy Shea, 24, of Nursery Road, Alton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary (non-dwelling).

Les Keet, 29, of Cobbetts Close, Normandy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary (non-dwelling) and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Eric Summerfield, 63, of Walnut Tree Close, Guildford pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery.

Head of Serious Organised Crime for Surrey and Sussex, Detective Superintendent Karen Mizzi, paid testament to her colleagues and said that ATM thefts in the region and across the UK were a serious issue:

Ms Mizzi said: "The guilty pleas heard in court yesterday have been as a result of a thorough investigation into organised crime in the area.

"Recent ATM thefts have posed a severe risk and danger to the public and it has a severe impact on rural communities who rely on these machines.

"I’m pleased that our team, coordinated with Sussex and Hampshire forces, were able to make the arrests.

"I want to reassure the public that we are taking these crimes very seriously and perpetrators will never be welcome in Surrey.

"Attacks on ATMs is a national issue and one affecting all forces at present. We are working hard with all of our neighbouring forces to ensure there is a joined up approach to catching offenders and establish if there are any links between crimes."