A CRIME gang who pocketed hundreds of thousands of pounds by blowing up cash machines including an ATM outside the Co-op store in Culcheth is set to find out their fate later this month.
Seven men were convicted at Liverpool Crown Court on April 5 of a string of raids following an investigation conducted by TITAN – the north west regional organised crime unit.
This includes targeted attacks on the ATM on Common Lane on April 4, 2015, and months later on October 17, 2015.
PICTURED: ATM raid carried out by gang
In December 2015, detectives started a covert investigation into an organised crime group originating from Merseyside.
This crime group was believed to be responsible for causing explosions at ATMs in order to steal their contents.
Detectives tracked the group as they travelled around the country scoping premises, which contained ATMs, and addresses with high-performance vehicles, which they would steal and use during their crime spree.
The gang also stole motorhomes to transport the equipment used to carry out the ATM gas attacks.
Officers later recovered a Scania lorry with a stolen trailer unit.
When officers opened up the trailer they found it had been converted to house a stolen Audi RS4.
The trailer came complete with ramps so that the vehicle could be quickly loaded on to it following an offence.
There were also hammocks in the rear of the trailer for members to rest in.
A number of large fuel canisters were also stored onboard to cut down on visits to petrol stations and motorway forecourts.
Following a police operation on June 28, eight men were charged with conspiracy to cause an explosion.
With the exception of Gary Carey, the others were also charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.
Andrew White, 28, from St Helens, Anthony White, 26, from Huyton, Nanu Miah, 28, from Birmingham, Anthony Conroy, 29, from Wavertree, Carl Cavanagh, 33, from Huyton, Michael Galea, 41, from Prescot, and Gary Carey, 40 from Liverpool, have since been convicted and will be sentenced on April 19.
Scott Pearson, 35, from Leigh, was found not guilty of burglary.
Detective chief superintendent Chris Green said: "These eight individuals believed they were untouchable and they used dangerous tactics in targeting ATMs, which clearly put members of the public at risk.
"The techniques used by the men involved in these attacks were extremely risky and we are fortunate that no-one was hurt."
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