THAMES Valley Police has led an investigation which saw five men sentenced following a series of ATM thefts across the UK.
TVP worked alongside Avon & Somerset Police, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Wiltshire Police, South Wales Police, Staffordshire Police, Devon & Cornwall Police, West Merica Police, Dorset Police and Warwickshire Police during the investigation.
On Wednesday, Occtober 22, they were sentenced at Reading Crown Court, after all five pleaded guilty at a previous hearing of conspiracy to steal.
Luke McCarthy, aged 40 and of Snowdrop Drive, Bristol, was jailed for four years having stolen around £200,000 in 13 raids and was responsible for nearly £100,000 in damages.
Harry Thomas, aged 29 and of Yarrow Close, Bristol, was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison having been involved in 11 of the thefts, stealing around £207,000.
James Clark, aged 43 and of Whitchurch Lane, Bristol, had already served nine months on remand and was given a 12-month community order.
Aled Richards-Carrol, aged 27 and of Upper Brynamman, Arfyn, was sentenced to 30 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
He must pay £1,000 in compensation and his Ford Transit van will also be seized.
Neil McCarthy, aged 63 and of Kingsway, Bristol, was fined £700.
None of the cash which was stolen across the country has been recovered.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Steve Kania, said: “Thames Valley Police, in collaboration with ten other police forces, has successfully concluded a major investigation targeting organised theft offences across the country.
“The operation reflects police forces’ unwavering commitment to protect communities and uphold the law.
“The offences under investigation caused extensive damage amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds, severely impacting businesses and depriving members of the public, particularly in rural areas, of access to essential services.
“These crimes were not only financially devastating but also deeply disruptive to daily life.”
Detective Sergeant Jon Hare said: “Thames Valley Police will not tolerate theft offences. The scale and nature of these crimes demonstrate a blatant disregard for law-abiding members of society.
“The offenders acted out of greed, with no consideration for the communities they harmed.
“Thames Valley Police remain committed in its mission to pursue justice and safeguard the public.
“This investigation underscores the power of cross-force collaboration and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.”
