CCTV footage captured two robbers blowing up an ATM to steal money, only for it to explode in one of their faces. The incident happened in July last year when two robbers targeted the ATMs in Northwood, Stoke-on-Trent to loot P160,000 (Rs 1,68,56,128). Subway reported.
Footage from outside the store showed one of the robbers assaulting a woman, while the other smashed the stand-alone cash machine with a hammer. Their plan backfired when the improvised explosive device (IED) they had planted in the machine exploded in one of the robber's faces, sending a thick cloud of smoke filling the air. However, the thieves, identified as Wesley Shepherd and Benjamin Thompson, still made away with nearly 93,000 pounds (Rs 97,98,030). Witnesses at the time said cash was flying around the parking lot.
They were arrested weeks later when police spotted them driving through Manchester Airport on their way to Malaga, Egypt and Mexico. The shocking footage of the robbery was released by Greater Manchester Police after they were jailed for 18 years, eight months and 20 years respectively for robberies at the Northwood store and three other convenience stores in Greater Manchester.
Watch the video here:
#JAILED | Men who went on holiday with stolen money were sentenced to 38 years in prison.
The duo drove into the building armed in stolen cars and threatened staff, before planting an explosive in the machine to gain access to cash 💰
How we caught them: https://t.co/g0OP3SX57rpic.twitter.com/KhzPF1qYLk
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) January 29, 2024
At a recent hearing, they both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and cause an explosion likely to endanger property and lives. Judge Alan Conran KC said the 'planned and well-organised' robberies were the first of their kind, describing the 'disturbing' tactic of using IEDs as a 'new modus operandi'.
Speaking after the case, Detective Sergeant Rich McCorry, of the GMP Serious Organized Crime Group, said: “These men had no regard for the safety of the public in their bid to make a quick buck. This type of behavior is intolerable and the lasting impact that such an unprovoked attack can have on a victim is enormous.”
“After a careful investigation with specialist colleagues from Greater Manchester and Staffordshire Police we were able to link the crimes and now two dangerous, reckless men are spending a long time behind bars,” he added.