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Gang jailed for 30 years for blowing up cash machines

A cash point in the High Street, Chalfont St Peter Credit: Metropolitan Police

A gang who blew up cash machines across Surrey and the Thames Valley have been jailed for a total of more than 30 years.

The three men stole hundreds of thousands of pounds in a 10 month spree between July 2014 and April 2015.

They targeted machines in Cowley, Maidenhead and Lightwater along with others in and surrounding the Capital.

A montage of the offences. Video credit: Metropolitan Police

Banks and post offices were the primary target.

Jamie Duggan, 26 of Philip Road, Staines-Upon-Thames, Middlesex was sentenced to 12 years.

Anthony Rodwell, 27 of Lauren Gardens, Ashford, Middlesex was also sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

Trevor Collins, 26 of Christophers Drive, Hayes, Middlesex was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

All three men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.

Jamie Duggan Credit: Metropolitan Police

To gain entry to the cash machines, the gang pumped gas and then ignited it with an electrical charge.

The police said it was "sheer luck" no one was killed.

The gang committed 27 offences in total, of which 19 failed.

Eight of the offences resulted in a total cash loss of approximately £356,330 with damage as a result of the explosions totalling £320,055.

Anthony Rodwell Credit: Metropolitan Police

Given that this series of crimes involved 27 offences, it is fortunate that no unsuspecting members of the public were injured.

"In one case, the front fascia of the ATM and other debris was blown 30 to 40 metres from the scene. If this debris had struck a member of the public or a passing car, the resulting injuries could easily have been fatal."

– Detective Inspector Scott Hartley, Metropolitan Police Flying Squad
Trevor Collins Credit: Metropolitan Police