Three men have been found guilty of carrying out a series of cashpoint burglaries across the West Midlands, stealing more than £100,000 in cash and causing significant damage to businesses.
Details of the Crimes
The gang targeted ATMs at supermarkets, petrol stations, and convenience stores in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and other locations between January and March 2023. They used heavy machinery and power tools to rip cash machines from walls, often causing structural damage to the premises.
In one incident, the thieves stole £45,000 from a supermarket in Kingstanding. Another raid at a petrol station in Oldbury netted £20,000. The group also attempted to steal an ATM from a convenience store in Dudley but failed after the machine jammed.
The Conviction
The three defendants, aged 28, 31, and 34, were convicted at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday after a two-week trial. They were found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary and theft. Sentencing has been adjourned for pre-sentence reports.
Detective Constable Sarah Jones of West Midlands Police said: “These men were determined and organized criminals who caused significant financial loss and disruption to local businesses. We are pleased with the verdict and hope it sends a clear message that such criminality will not be tolerated.”
Impact on Businesses
Several business owners spoke of the trauma caused by the raids. One shop owner in Handsworth said: “They smashed through the front wall and destroyed our ATM. It took weeks to repair the damage and we lost a lot of custom.”
The court heard that the gang used stolen vehicles to carry out the attacks and often wore balaclavas to avoid identification. Police were able to link them through DNA evidence and mobile phone data.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of ATM thefts in the region. West Midlands Police have urged businesses to review security measures and report any suspicious activity.
