JCB uproots postbox as it smashes into shop during ramraid
- 8 months ago
Video shows a JCB uprooting a postbox as it smashes into a village shop during a ramraid.
Footage captures the moment the stolen digger crashed into the Coo-op storefront.
Alfie Smith, from Ashford, Middlesex, was later arrested during the early hours of July 4 .
Two other suspects were able to escape the scene where the team had planned to remove a cash ATM from the store.
Smith was later charged with intent to steal and aggravated taking of a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Smith pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court.
He had been on temporary release from prison when the crime took place, where he was serving a 14-year sentence.
Alongside his six year sentence, he will also serve the remaining 10 years of his previous sentence as a result.
Investigating Officer Sam Doyle, of West Sussex CID, said: “This footage shows the clear intent by Smith and his associates to steal an ATM from a village store, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage in the process.
"They had clearly prepared for this operation in advance, but they hadn’t prepared for police to respond so quickly.
“I’d like to thank the numerous victims, witnesses and companies who provided statements and CCTV, which gave us vital evidence to secure Smith’s conviction.
“I’d also like to extend my gratitude to the dedicated staff and officers who have been involved from the start of this fast-moving and multi-department investigation.
“I acknowledge the significant impact this incident would have had on residents in this small and quiet village, as well as the businesses that suffered financially.”
A 37-year-old man from Aldershot in Hampshire was later arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and has been bailed until 5 October as the investigation continues.
Anyone with any information that could assist police in their investigation is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Op Milson.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.
Footage captures the moment the stolen digger crashed into the Coo-op storefront.
Alfie Smith, from Ashford, Middlesex, was later arrested during the early hours of July 4 .
Two other suspects were able to escape the scene where the team had planned to remove a cash ATM from the store.
Smith was later charged with intent to steal and aggravated taking of a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Smith pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court.
He had been on temporary release from prison when the crime took place, where he was serving a 14-year sentence.
Alongside his six year sentence, he will also serve the remaining 10 years of his previous sentence as a result.
Investigating Officer Sam Doyle, of West Sussex CID, said: “This footage shows the clear intent by Smith and his associates to steal an ATM from a village store, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage in the process.
"They had clearly prepared for this operation in advance, but they hadn’t prepared for police to respond so quickly.
“I’d like to thank the numerous victims, witnesses and companies who provided statements and CCTV, which gave us vital evidence to secure Smith’s conviction.
“I’d also like to extend my gratitude to the dedicated staff and officers who have been involved from the start of this fast-moving and multi-department investigation.
“I acknowledge the significant impact this incident would have had on residents in this small and quiet village, as well as the businesses that suffered financially.”
A 37-year-old man from Aldershot in Hampshire was later arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary and has been bailed until 5 October as the investigation continues.
Anyone with any information that could assist police in their investigation is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Op Milson.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.