Gang Behind ATM Smash-and-Grabs Jailed for Over 32 Years
A ruthless organised crime gang who wreaked havoc on cash machines across the UK, including Hampshire, have been locked up for a combined 32 years. The five men admitted conspiracy to burgle and handling stolen goods at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Friday.
Million-Pound ATM Heists and Fire Station Theft
The gang used specialist cutting gear, stolen from fire stations, to break into stores and rip open ATMs. Boss man Mohammed Khan, 31, from wolverhampton/" title="Wolverhampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Wolverhampton, also pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property. The gang’s crime spree between June 2017 and September 2018 hauled in more than £1 million and caused over £200,000 worth of damage.
Violent and Fast – Just 10 Minutes to Ransack Tesco Express
One brazen raid hit a Tesco Express in Baughurst, Hampshire, at 3:27am on 27 September 2018. Three men smashed their way into the shop using heavy-duty cutters and crowbars while a lookout waited outside. They were in and out within ten minutes, fleeing with an unknown cash haul.
In another shocking attack, the gang targeted a member of the public who spotted them in action in Malvern. A police officer pursuing the criminals even had his vehicle rammed.
West Mercia Police Crack Down on Nationwide Crime Spree
The investigation was led by West Mercia Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, with Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Kinrade at the helm. He said:
“This gang was driven by greed, showing no care for the damage and fear they left behind. They stole life-saving equipment from fire stations and didn’t hesitate to use violence. Many cash machines they attacked were the only way locals could access cash, some of which remain unreplaced.”
Detective Kinrade praised his team and forces across ten areas supporting the probe, including Staffordshire, Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and more.
Jail Terms Delivered – Serious Crime Orders in Place
- Michael Solomon Stubbs, 32, Wednesfield – 6 years 8 months
- Noel Anthony Reilly, 39, Birmingham – 7 years 6 months
- Martin Steadman, 24, Wolverhampton – 7 years 6 months
- Mohammed Maneer Khan, 31, Wolverhampton – 4 years 10 months
- Marcus Burton, 33, Birmingham – 5 years 10 months
Steadman, Stubbs, Reilly, and Burton also face Serious Crime Orders placing heavy restrictions on their freedom post-release.
The brutal gang’s reign of terror finally ended behind bars – but the damage and fear they caused will linger in communities for some time yet.
