FIVE people have been arrested after a series of thefts from ATMs across Hampshire.
It comes after explosive gas was used to try and break into the machines across the county and in Surrey.
The arrests occurred as part of a series of dawn raids involving 150 officers at addresses across Hampshire.
A 24-year-old man from Farnborough, a 22-year-old man from Southampton, a 29-year-old man from Southampton and a 33-year-old woman from Farnborough and a 25-year-old man from Farnborough.
They were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to cause explosions on dates between August 14, 2019 and January 19, 2020.
All five currently remain in custody.
The offences relate to 12 incidents:
- Stop ‘n’ Shop, Sholing, Southampton on August 14, 2019.
Police launched an investigation after reports of a loud explosion in the Sholing area.
One resident, who lived nearby, said they felt their house shake from the explosion and described the sound as “louder than a huge firework”.
The resident also said how he ran out with an extinguisher to put out the blaze and found burning cash notes and debris scattered more than 20 metres from where the cash machine originally stood.
Police say cash was stolen.
- Tesco in Lavender Road, Waterlooville on August 14, 2019
- Cashzone, Headley, East Hants on August 22, 2019 Santander,
- Petersfield, East Hants, on August 25, 2019
- Costcutter Store, Farnham, Surrey, on August 25, 2019
- HSBC, Park Gate, Fareham on August 27, 2019
- Coop, Godalming, Surrey on August 31, 2019
- Premier Convenience Store, Brockenhurst, on September 3, 2019
-
Post Office, West End, Eastleigh, on September 3, 2019
- Co-op Store, Stubbington, Fareham, on September 9, 2019
- Tesco Express, Bishopstoke, Eastleigh , on September 11, 2019
A stolen land rover rammed into the ATM at Tesco Express on Bishopstoke Road in Bishopstoke and chemicals were used to try to set it alight.
Raiders drove off empty-handed in a dark colour Audi A5 or A6 Estate with a registration number ending NWM.
- Co-op, Spring Road, Sholing, Southampton on January 19, 2020
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