Men Remanded in Custody in Connection with ATM Thefts

Published on: 21 Dec, 2018
Updated on: 24 Dec, 2018

Four men, two from Guildford, have been charged and remanded in custody over the Christmas period after appearing in court in connection with burglaries.

Lloyds Bank in East Horsley on November 4, 2018.

Two of the men were charged in connection with ATM thefts in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex, including one in East Horsley on November 4. They appeared at Staines Magistrates Court where they were remanded in custody until January 18 when they will appear at Guildford Crown Court.

Eleven related offences occurred over a period extending from May 2018 to December this year.

The two other men, arrested on an unrelated charge, also appeared at court and were remanded to appear at Guildford Crown Court on the same date.

Those who have been charged are:

Jimmy Shea age 24 of Nursery Road, Alton – conspiracy to commit burglary (non-dwelling) and conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.
Les Keet age 29 of Cobbetts Close, Normandy – conspiracy to commit Burglary (non-dwelling), conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to commit burglary (dwelling) and conspiracy to commit robbery.
Eric Summerfield age 63 of Walnut Tree Close, Guildford – conspiracy to commit burglary (dwelling) and conspiracy to commit robbery.
Melvyn Beech age 47 of Kingston Road, Leatherhead – conspiracy to commit burglary (dwelling) and conspiracy to commit robbery.

The charges follow six arrests as part of a proactive investigation into ATM thefts in the region.

One suspect remains in police custody for questioning, while a sixth person has been released on bail whilst enquiries continue.

Surrey and Sussex Serious Organised Crime Unit conducted a coordinated operation with the assistance of Hampshire Constabulary early yesterday morning (December 20). Seventy officers across the three forces carried out the arrests and subsequent searches at a large number of properties in West Surrey.

A police spokesperson said: “ATM theft is a national issue and we have seen organised criminal gangs targeting more rural locations across the country including in Surrey and our neighbouring counties.

“We would continue to encourage the public to report to us straightaway any suspicious vehicles or anyone seen acting suspiciously, as well as anyone with any information relating to any of the specific incidents that have taken place recently.

“If you have any information which could assist, please call us on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”