Police nab suspected ATM thieves

The NSW Police believe they have uncovered a syndicate, responsible for stealing $800,000 from automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Sydney over the past 12 months.

Superintendent John Kerlatec, from the Property Crime Squad, said it had been a difficult investigation, because the group had gone to great lengths to avoid police detection. An extensive covert police operation had been carried out, according to a NSW Police statement.

Five males were arrested Sunday, as they were allegedly breaking open an ATM at the University of Western Sydney in Richmond.

Police have charged an 18-year-old and a 45-year-old from Minchinbury and a 41-year-old Byrock man with 11 aggravated break and enter offences, according to the statement. The first two men were refused bail, and were scheduled to appear in the Parramatta Local Court this morning. The third was granted bail and is scheduled to appear in the Windsor Local Court on 1 April.

Two 17-year-old males have also been charged with aggravated break and enter, and are due to appear in the Windsor Children's Court on 1 April, it stated.