A man will face court today charged by detectives investigating a series of arson attacks on ATMs across the Sydney Metropolitan area in recent weeks, NSW Police say.
Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Croot to investigate 10 arson attacks on ATMs at Canley Heights, Condell Park, Miller, Panania, Prestons, and Wakeley, between Monday 18 December 2017 and Tuesday 16 January 2018.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, with the assistance of South West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad, arrested a 50-year-old man at a home on Meadows Road, Mt Pritchard, about 8am yesterday (Wednesday 31 January 2018).
Shortly after the arrest, a search warrant was executed at the home and investigators seized items relevant to the investigation.
During a search of the man’s vehicle, investigators located improvised explosive devices (IED), which were rendered safe by the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, and seized for further forensic investigation.
The man was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with seven counts of destroy or damage property, and four counts of damage property by fire/explosive.
Police will allege in court the man inserted IEDs into the ATMs in unsuccessful attempts to breach the housing and vault of the machines.
He was refused bail and will appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Thursday 1 February 2018).
Investigations under Strike Force Croot are continuing.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Croot investigators to call Crime Stoppers.
