Seven Men Charged in ATM Robbery Spree Across South East
Seven men have been hit with charges over a string of ATM thefts across the South East, including two in Kent. The gang, mostly from Essex, is accused of conspiring to smash their way into cash machines and steal vehicles.
Who’s in the Dock?
- Walter Mitchell, 41
- Shane Stanley, 36
- Tommy Mitchell, 18
- Levi Mitchell, 24
- William Mitchell, 30
- Walter Mitchell, 20
- Scott McManus, 43
All but McManus hail from Fern Hill Lane, Harlow, Essex. McManus is from Chapelfields, Stanstead Abbotts, Essex.
Crimes Across the Region
They face two counts of conspiracy to commit burglary and one count of conspiracy to steal vehicles. The string of crimes includes incidents at:
- The McColl’s shop in West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks, on 23 April 2018
- The Co-op in Istead Rise, Gravesend, on 15 May 2018
Police link the gang to several other ATM thefts and attempted thefts across Essex, Hertfordshire, and Surrey.
Police Strike Back
The charges follow a major police operation on the morning of 5 March, where several warrants were executed across Essex. The suspects were remanded to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 7 March.
Teenagers Also Arrested
In a related move, a 17-year-old and two 15-year-olds, all from Harlow, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, vehicle theft, and burglary. They have since been released pending further investigations.
