Security

2 UK men sentenced for blowing up ATMs, stealing $202K

Photo: Adobe Stock

February 1, 2024

Two men were arrested in Manchester, U.K. for allegedly blowing up ATMs at four locations and stole more than $202,000. The men, Ben Thompson and Wesley Shephard were sentenced to 16 years and 14 years and eight months in jail respectively, according to a report by the BBC.

Between April and July 2023, the pair targeted three ATMs in Greater Manchester and one in Staffordshire. They also threatened staff with weapons. They have both pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and cause explosions.

"These men had no regard for the safety of the public in their endeavor to make some fast cash," Detective Sergeant Rich McCorry, said in the report. "This type of behavior is intolerable and the lasting impact that such an unprovoked attack can have on a victim is huge."