UK gang which blew up cash machines receives long sentences

LONDON – Four members of a gang that robbed a string of cash machines with explosives have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 11 years each.

The men were found guilty of pumping combustible gas into ATMs and igniting the gas with an electrical charge.

The technique caused explosions and extensive property damage. Police said half of the gang’s known attempts failed because the blasts did not penetrate the secure compartment where the cash was kept.

They were found to have stolen roughly 120,000 pounds ($148,000) in August and September.

Detective Mark Bedford said Wednesday it was “sheer luck” that members of the public were not injured in the explosions.

The men were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.