THE lengthy and complex investigation to identify the men involved in the spate of ram raids across Surrey and neighbouring Hampshire and Sussex has been honoured nationally.

Outstanding work and contribution to combat ATM crime shown in the investigation was recognised during the National Commercial Robbery Conference.

“The award was for the innovative work to safeguard businesses and communities and we were commended for our collaborative and joint working during the operation,” said Detective Superintendent Karen Mizzi, head of serious organised crime for Surrey and Sussex.

Run by Surrey and Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, the investigation involved gathering CCTV evidence, forensic investigations, piecing together a large volume of information provided by members of the public and covert tactics.

After gathering sufficient evidence, 70 officers from Surrey Police with the assistance of Sussex Police and Hampshire Constabulary, conducted various pre-dawn raids on December 20, 2018.

During these searches police recovered clothing, vehicles and lifting/cutting equipment relating to offences, giving officers additional evidence to charge the quintet who all pleaded guilty in April.

Detective Superintendent Mizzi continued: “This successful result was thanks the teamwork involved and I am grateful to all the officers involved in bringing these men to justice.

“This organised crime group were relentless but we were able to gather enough evidence to arrest them and put them before the courts.

“This included the sharing of information between neighbouring forces and partner agencies, which was a massive help in progressing this investigation.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro congratulated Surrey and Sussex Police for a “fine piece of detective work”, adding: “These were very serious crimes which caused considerable alarm in the community.

“It’s good to know these wicked men are now behind bars.”

In chronological order, the ram raids were:

* July 9, 1.20am: Tesco Express, Ridgway Road, Farnham

* August 14, 2am: Co-op, Wych Hill, Woking

* August 17, 3am: Halifax, West Street, Farnham

* September 9, 2.45am: Co-op, Rudgwick, Sussex

* September 19, 4.25am: Nutbourne Service Station, Nutbourne, Chichester

* September 21, 3am: Sleaford Service Station, Bordon

* October 3, 1.30am: Co-op, Hambledon Road, Denmead,

Hampshire

* October 12, 4.20am: Sainsbury’s Local, High Street, Billingshurst, Sussex

* November 4, 4.43am – Lloyds Bank, Ockham Road South, East Horsley, Surrey

* November 5, 4.30am – Tesco Express, Vale Way, Kingsworthy, Winchester

* November 23, 4.03am – HSBC, High Street, Alton