A man from Chalfont St Giles has been jailed for more than ten years for his involvement in blowing up ATM machines across London and the Home Counties.

Gary Mills, 40, of Fleetwood Close, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months behind bars. He was part of a gang who caused a series of explosions and fires at the cash machines in a bid to steal cash.

The Met Police's Flying Squad said it was “sheer luck” that no “unsuspecting” members of the public were hurt.

Detectives from the Flying Squad launched an investigation following a series of five burglaries and five attempted burglaries at cash machines, including one at Shell petrol station in North Orbital Road, Denham, on September 8.

They said the month-long crime spree took place between Tuesday, August 9 and Thursday, September 8, and resulted in the theft of £120,000.

The gang was arrested after the September 8 attempt.

To gain entry to the ATMs, the gang pumped a combustible gas into the machine and then ignited it from a short distance with an electrical charge.

Police said they did not manage to get the cash and were forced to leave empty handed in half of their known attempts, although extensive damage was caused to the property housing the machine.

In total, all four unemployed gang members were jailed for more than 43 years.

They were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday) after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to commit criminal damage and recklessness endangering life.

Detective Inspector Mark Bedford, of the Flying Squad, said: “This crime network caused a series of large explosions in petrol stations and it was by sheer luck that no unsuspecting members of the public were injured as they passed by.

“There has been substantial inconvenience caused to local communities who rely on the services of the ATMs and also extensive damage to small business properties estimated to be in excess of £200,000.

“The substantial sentences handed down today reflect the danger posed to the public by the action of this reckless gang.”

The other gang members were sentenced as follows:

  • Ray Abraham, 36, of Hobart Drive, Hythe, Southampton, was sentenced to 11 years and four months imprisonment.
  • Daniel Dorkin, 26, of Baynard Close, Basingstoke, Hampshire, was sentenced to 11 years.
  • Trevor McCarthy, 43, of Barlby Road, Ladbroke Grove, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months imprisonment.