URGENT UPDATE: Three individuals have been arrested and charged following a series of cash machine raids across the UK that resulted in the theft of over £300,000. The suspects, identified as David Price (43), Adam Walker (38), and Joanne McGregor (40), were taken into custody during a coordinated operation by West Midlands Police early Thursday morning.
The trio faces serious charges, including conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, and possession of criminal property. They are set to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on December 20 following their arrest as part of an ongoing investigation dubbed Operation Target, aimed at combating serious and organized crime in the region.
Authorities report that this investigation is linked to nearly 30 raids on cash machines that began in February 2023. The gang employed specialist equipment to infiltrate buildings housing cash machines, successfully executing 14 of these burglaries. Notable incidents include a raid on a Santander branch on Stourbridge High Street where a cash box was stolen on June 25.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police stated, “We’ve charged three people from Wolverhampton as part of an investigation into nearly 30 raids on cash machines across the country by a gang which stole more than £300,000.” The police have confirmed that two other men arrested during the operation have been released on bail as investigations continue.
This urgent situation underscores the ongoing threat posed by organized crime targeting financial institutions. The police are appealing for information from the public to aid in the investigation and to prevent future incidents.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains on high alert, with authorities urging vigilance and reporting any suspicious activities related to cash machine operations. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
