Northolt Cash Machine Thieves Jailed

Police say gang were ruthless and showed no regard for safety of public

Jailed: Watson, Patrick McInerney, Kirk McInerney, Keenan

Four men who stole a cash machine from a Northolt shop and fled the scene after ramming a police car have been jailed.

The gang stole from shops across London including Hounslow as well as Buckinghamshire and Hampshire and have been jailed for a total of over 30 years.

Woolwich Crown Court heard that during each offence the suspects rammed a vehicle into the front of a shop before stealing the standalone cash machine from within.

On 12 February at approximately 22:45hrs in Hotspur Road, Northolt the group were attempting to load a cash machine into the back of their vehicle and were interrupted by the arrival of police. The suspects rammed the police vehicle several times causing significant damage. They then fled the scene.

Detective Constable Matt Hollands from the Met’s Flying Squad said: “These men showed ruthlessness in the commission of these offences and it is clear they were intent on using violence and weapons to ensure they were successful.

“They showed no concern for the welfare or safety of any member of the public, employees of the venues, or the police when they drove their vehicles at shops, doors, and police cars at speed.

“These four showed no regard for the law, and attempted to carry out audacious crimes with no fear of retribution, but this case should send a clear message to anyone considering carrying out such acts that we will work incredibly hard to identify you, arrest you, and bring you to justice.”

Marc Terry, International Managing Director from Cardtronics: “The Cardtronics Secure ATM initiative uses the latest technology to protect our ATMs and help the law enforcement community to catch and convict anyone who tries to attack our ATMs. You’ll see the Secure ATM logo on our Cashzone, Bank Machine and DC payments machines up and down the country.

“ATM attacks are a crime against your community. As a result of the action of these criminals local communities are deprived a vital utility – access to cash. These crimes have the hardest impact on the people who need the service most including some of the most vulnerable groups in our communities. ATM crime also has a direct impact on the health of our high streets which rely on cash to survive. We are deeply worried about the seriousness of many of these offences, with criminals seemingly happy to risk excessive danger or even human lives. A third of all European ATM attacks are happening in the UK, and we are working with the police to take decisive action and protect consumers access to cash.”

Benn Watson, 39 of Long Lane, TW19 was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.

Patrick McInerney, 37 of Lower Road, UB9 was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.

Kirk McInerney, 29 of Aycliffe Road, WD6 was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.

Liam Keenan, 40 of The Nightingales, TW19 was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.

Keenan and Watson were also convicted of conspiracy to steal.

Patrick and Kirk McInerney plead guilty to the same offence at an earlier hearing.

October 15th 2018