STRATEGIC PARTNERS
January 15, 2003
LONDON -- Coventry Building Society ATMs spewed out more than £850,000 (about $1.3 million U.S.) in five days to customers who were able to obtain any amount they liked by using any PIN. The false dispenses were apparently caused by a software error after a security upgrade.
According to a report in The Guardian, queues formed at the building society's 54 machines, with many customers returning 20 times before managers discovered the problem. One couple pocketed £134,410 ($215,776). When police raided the family home in Foleshill they found a new car and air tickets to Jamaica.
Jubert Crosdale, 47, a painter decorator, and his 20-year-old daughter, Charlene Crosdale, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, and were each sentenced to 15 months at Coventry crown court.
Jubert's wife, Catherine, 45, admitted conspiracy to steal and had her sentence adjourned for a report on her health, while their son Leroy, 22, received a 12-month sentence.
Twelve people appeared in court charged with conspiracy to steal a total of £285,000 ($457,535), according to The Guardian.
The defendants were all traced through a mixture of electronic records and video footage.
