FIVE people have been arrested in dawn raids following a spate of ATM "explosions".

Four men and a woman were arrested today in connection with a series of ATM thefts where explosive gas was used to try and break into the machines across Hampshire and Surrey.

According to police, 150 officers were involved in the raids on addresses across Hampshire.

Those arrested include A 22-year-old and 29-year-old man from Southampton.

A 33-year-old-woman from Farnborough, a 25-year-old and a 24-year-old man also from Farnborough

All five were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to cause explosions on dates between August 14, 2019, and January 19, 2020.

The offences related to 12 incidents:

  • Stop ‘n’ Shop, Sholing; Southampton on August 14, 2019;
  • Post Office, West End, Eastleigh on September 3, 2019;
  • Co-op, Spring Road, Sholing on January 19, 2020;
  • Tesco Express, Bishopstoke, on September 11, 2019;
  • Premier Convenience Store, Brockenhurst, on September 3, 2019;
  • Tesco in Lavender Road, Waterlooville on August 14, 2019;
  • Cashzone, Headley, East Hants on August 22, 2019;
  • Santander, Petersfield, East Hants, on August 25, 2019;
  • Costcutter Store, Farnham, Surrey, on August 25, 2019;
  • HSBC, Park Gate, Fareham on August 27, 2019;
  • Coop, Godalming, Surrey on August 31, 2019;
  • Co-op Store, Stubbington, Fareham, on September 9, 2019.

All five suspects remain in custody at the time of writing.

Daily Echo:

Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44190351817.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo residents described fearing for their safety after ram-raiders smashed into a convenience store cash machine.

A stolen land rover rammed into the ATM at Tesco Express on Bishopstoke Road in Bishopstoke and chemicals were used to try to set it alight on September 11 last year.

Daily Echo:

Raiders drove off empty-handed in a dark colour Audi A5 or A6 Estate with a registration number ending NWM.

One resident said: “I’m sad this has happened so close to home. It is worrying as there has been a noticeable change here. I’ve seen people showing loutish behaviour. It’s scary."