Man charged over Aberdeenshire cash machine raids

A man from Liverpool has been charged in connection with a series of cash machine raids in Aberdeenshire. Picture: PA

A 30-YEAR-old man from Liverpool has been charged by Police Scotland in connection with a series of cash machine raids in Aberdeenshire.

Two cash machines in Inverurie and Stonehaven were targeted during the early hours of Monday, 28 October. And detectives revealed earlier this week that a white Audi S3 - which was previously reported stolen from DW Sports Fitness in Aberdeen on October 15 - had been recovered in connection with the two incidents. The vehicle was found by officers in a wooded area at Tanglandford Farm in Methlick, Aberdeenshire.

A force spokesman said: “A Liverpudlian male has now been charged in connection with the attempted thefts of ATMs in Stonehaven and Inverurie and another which occurred in Ellon on October 25, as well as the theft of two vehicles - an Audi S3 and an Audi A4.

“He has also been charged in connection with a high value theft that occurred at Paul Lawrie Golf Centre on Saturday, 26 October, and another at Murcar Golf Club in Aberdeen on 17 October. He is anticipated to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday.”

‘Great work by team’

Detective Inspector Graeme Mackie, who is heading the investigation, said: “This investigation highlights the great work by the team involved, and we wish to thank members of the public for coming forward with information which has ultimately allowed us to get to this stage quickly.

“It also demonstrates how communities across the North-east are willing and able to work with us in identifying those involved in organised criminality, whilst highlighting the resources available to us under Police Scotland to tackle organised crime groups who believe that they can operate undetected within the North of Scotland.”

He added: “Although a good bit of work has already been done, we are currently following positive lines of enquiry to identify other suspects involved in the ATM crimes across the North-east. We would still like to appeal to the public to come forward if they have any information which they believe may be of assistance to us.”