Two men arrested as Greater Manchester Police uncover ATM bomb scheme
The explosive thefts took place in Greater Manchester and Staffordshire
Last updated 21st Sep 2023
Two men have been arrested in connection with a series of explosive ATM thefts throughout Greater Manchester and Staffordshire.
The men, aged 36 and 39, were apprehended on Tuesday night (September 19th) as part of a sting operation orchestrated by Greater Manchester Police.
In an effort to tackle gang crime, police in Greater Manchester began to follow a pattern of organised crime throughout the region.
Officers believe that the incidents were all connected, as thieves would plant explosives inside the ATM to detonate before stealing the cash in the machine.
However, when investigating the incident, Greater Manchester Police also discovered a similar spate of attacks on ATMs in Staffordshire.
Detectives, under the impression the incidents were linked, worked together with Staffordshire Police to corroborate the information before arranging an operation to catch the two men responsible.
The two suspects were arrested by detectives from Greater Manchester Police's Serious Organised Crime Group on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robber and conspiracy to cause an explosion.
Police involved in the action were supported by firearms officers and a dog unit to catch and arrest the two men. A search of their car also found explosives, sledgehammers and screwdrivers.
In a statement, Detective Sergeant Rich McCorry from GMP Serious Organised Crime Group said that incidents like this will be found out by the force.
“These arrests are the latest in a series of investigations into highly organised groups who believe they’re operating below the radar across Manchester", he said.
“Teams of detectives are working around the clock to crack down on the criminal networks who endeavour to make some quick cash at the expense of public safety.
"Our enquiries are ongoing in regard to this investigation, and we will not stop until we believe all those who are responsible have been brought to justice", he concluded.