Thief jailed for stealing £40,000 from ATMs across Essex and London
Artur Sutu used cash trap devices in widespread ATM theft operation
Artur Sutu, a 39-year-old man from Ilford, has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing approximately £40,000 using cash trapping devices at ATMs across Essex and London.
Sutu operated under the cover of night over a span of six months, causing damage that amounted to an additional £60,000.
He targeted machines late at night, fitting devices designed to trap money.
Unaware customers' cash would become stuck, allowing Sutu to later return, force the machines open, and retrieve the money, resulting in significant damage.
His criminal activities reached into several areas including Brentwood, Rayleigh, Pitsea, and Loughton, and extended to London.
He even stole from a cash machine in Lemington Spa, nearly 100 miles away from his home.
The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) led the investigation, executing a search warrant at Sutu's Ilford residence on 24th March 2026.
Officers discovered ready-made cash-trap devices, tools used for breaking into machines, and a garage workshop set up for manufacturing more devices.
Sutu confessed to the crimes during his police interview and was charged with offences committed between 17th October 2025 and 18th March 2026.
He pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to four counts of theft and three counts of criminal damage.
Detective Sergeant Mike Simpson from ERSOU’s Proactive Economic Crime Team highlighted the impact on communities and businesses, stating, "Crimes like this don’t just affect banks and their customer - they impact communities, businesses and individuals who rely on these services every day."
Footage related to the case can be viewed on the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit's YouTube channel.