FIVE men have been jailed for a total of 50 years after the theft of an ATM.
Shane Parker, Wayne Parker, Jamie Parker, Danny Johnson and Jamie Hamilton each admitted the offences and were sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday, October 18.
It comes after Essex Police were called to the incident, at a Co-op in Panners Parade, in Great Notley, in the early hours of January 7.
Officers were able to identify that a Ford Transit van had been used during the incident.
It had reversed into the shop shutters and caused extensive damage to the front entrance.
Five men then got out of the vehicle and linked the ATM to the Transit, which was used to pull it free.
The ATM was then taken away from the scene by the men in two cars - an Audi and a Volkswagen Golf, both stolen using violence and threats towards victims they targeted in the days leading up to January 7.
At about 6.20am, the stolen ATM was found in Colne Engaine.
Detectives identified Shane Parker, Wayne Parker, Jamie Parker, Danny Johnson and James Hamilton as suspects.
Shane Parker, Wayne Parker, Jamie Parker and Danny Johnson were arrested on February 22.
Hamilton was later arrested following a chase involving a stolen Ford Mondeo.
They were charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit burglary as well as a number of other offences.
Shane Parker, 25, of Swaynes Lane, Comberton, admitted both charges as well as arson and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Wayne Parker, 27, of Sandiacres Caravan Site, Long Green, Cressing, was jailed for 13 years and nine months.
Jamie Parker, 37, of Church Road, Wicken, Ely, admitted both charges and arson and was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.
Danny Johnson, 22, of Ampthill Road, Kempston Hardwick, Bedford, admitted both charges and arson and was jailed for six years.
Jamie Hamilton, 23, of Berkely Drive, Chelmsford, admitted both charges as well as arson, theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving. He was jailed for nine years.
Det Insp Frazer Low, of Essex Police’s serious and organised crime unit, led the investigation.
He said: “These individuals clearly thought they could get away with these invasive and incredibly damaging crimes, but they were wrong.
“Thanks to the work of the investigative team, we were able to use a variety of policing tactics in order to quickly identify them as the perpetrators and put arrest strategies in place.
“We were able to quickly get these men off the streets and such was the evidence we were able to offer to the Crown Prosecution Service, all five men were left with very little option but to admit their guilt and were sentenced appropriately on Tuesday.
“To any crime groups who believe they can commit crime in Essex, we will identify you, we will track you down, you will be arrested and ultimately jailed for a significant period.”
Chief Insp Martin Richards, Braintree district commander, added: “This was an excellent piece of detective work by our specialist teams and it has secured lengthy convictions of career criminals.
“Our teams have consistently worked tirelessly to help the communities of Braintree and Uttlesford, and putting people behind bars who are resolved on criminal intent.
“I have no doubt these convictions and sentences have made our district a much safer place.”
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