Glossop man who was part of gang which used explosives to steal from ATMs is jailed for nine years

A Glossop man is the final member of a criminal gang who committed burglaries, thefts and attacks at cashpoint machines throughout the north to be locked up.

Thirty six-year-old Wayne Singleton, of Woodlands Close, was found guilty at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, of conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to commit a burglary with intent to steal and at another trial admitted conspiring to cause an explosion likely to endanger life and property.

He was jailed for nine years.

Property valued at more than £300,000, including cash, vehicles and stock stolen from shops was stolen and £50,000 of damage caused to properties.

Between July 2018 and March 2019, the gang came to the attention of police in Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, the West Midlands and Nottinghamshire.

As a result, Operation Benson was set up by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Group (SOCG)

Offences predominantly involved the targeting of automatic cash dispensing machines (ATMs).

These machines were either free standing within shops or built into the wall and accessible from the outside the premises.

The group used various methods to commit these offences, which included using explosive gases to blow up the ATM machine and steal the money within or using saws to gain entry to steal the money.

In June 2019, as part of the operation, the SOCG executed warrants at nine addresses throughout Greater Manchester and Derbyshire resulting in the arrest of seven suspects who were all later charged and sentenced.

From December 2019 to today, 11 men and two women have been sentenced to a collective 51 years and eight months in prison.

DCI Phil Kennedy of the Serious and Organised Crime Group said: “This sentence is a culmination of an extensive and detailed investigation conducted by a dedicated and determined team of officers from the SOCG who were greatly assisted by close partnership working with SaferCash representatives, the CPS’ Complex Case unit and also with assistance from officers at Derbyshire and Staffordshire police.

“This investigation and offending spanned over a number of police force regions and shows ours and our partners’ determination in dismantling organised crime networks who commit these kinds of offences.

“While the vast majority of people in Greater Manchester work hard for their rewards in life, a small minority think it is acceptable to try and shortcut their way via acts of criminality. We will do everything in our power to catch and prosecute organised criminals whose offending blights our communities.

“If you believe someone to be involved in criminality, contact police immediately. Your actions will help prevent innocent people becoming the victims of crime.”

Sarah Staff, the Head of SaferCash and a Director of the British Security Industry Association, added: “The SaferCash team have a strong working relationship with GMP and on behalf of the ATM industry I would wish to thank all those involved in this complex far reaching investigation that has resulted in such a successfully outcome.

“Attacks against ATM’s have a significant affect not only the industry and businesses, but local communities too, reducing their access to cash and the other important services provided.”