Three jailed for cash machine and life-saving equipment thefts
The offences took place over five years in four counties
Three men have been jailed after stealing cash machines and emergency cutting equipment from fire stations.
Twins Carl and Lee Kettle, 40, and Barry Dillon, 45, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal.
They targeted cash machines as well as high-powered cars and emergency services cutting equipment in Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Nottinghamshire.
The offences took place between January 2020 and April 2025 at Sainsburys in Burton, Nottingham, Upton and Walton, Asda in Bootle, Tesco in Rochdale, Woolton and Allerton, Tesco Express in Tarbock, Shell garage in Edge Hill, The One Stop Shop in Fleetwood, and Tesco Extra in Formby and Chorley.
Carl and Lee Kettle have each been jailed for six years and eight moths, with Dillon sentenced to three years and eight months.
David Brunskill, who led the investigation, said:
"This was clearly a well-planned operation where the Kettle twins and Dillon caused considerable damage stealing cash machines at supermarkets across multiple counties. This meant the supermarket not only losing thousands of pounds of money but also costly repairs to the building and replacing the cash machines.
"Business theft is not a victimless crime"
"They also stole emergency cutting equipment from fire stations which are used in critical incidents to save people’ lives. This was also an expense to the public purse to replace such items.
"Business theft is not a victimless crime, and especially businesses which provide an important service for the community."
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ged Sheridan added:
"Every piece of equipment on a fire engine is there for a reason - to help us save lives.
"Stealing emergency service equipment from fire stations risks preventing firefighters from helping someone in a life-threatening situation. We welcome the sentencing and hope it sends a clear message that crimes against emergency services endanger the public."