Balaclava gang ‘tied van to ATM to rip it out of shop’ in daring raid

Four men alleged to have disguised themselves in balaclavas tried to rip an ATM out of a shop in West London by tying a rope around it when driving off in a van, a court has heard.

Ellis Glynne, 29, Connor Murray, 21, Robert Greene, 41, and Tyler Smallworth, 20, appeared for the start of their trial at Kingston Crown Court today (Thursday, January 6).

Glynne, Murray, Smallworth and Greene have all denied a charge of conspiracy to burgle, whilst Smallworth has also pleaded not guilty to theft involving a van.

The four of them allegedly went to break into Glads Mini Market, on London Road in Brentford, during the early hours of February 6, 2020.

Prosecutor Nicholas Dunham told the court that the four had been involved in the planning of the attempted burglary and had collaborated together.

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Shortly after midnight the group allegedly travelled to Glads Mini Market in a white van and a silver Audi, where they are accused of making “unsuccessful attempts” to break into the premises.

The court heard they drove away in the direction of Twickenham, before returning 45 minutes later equipped with an angle grinder to break into the convenience store

Mr Dunham said a rope had been attached to the back of the van which was aimed “to rip the ATM from its moorings”.

Eye-witnesses heard ‘loud drilling’ and saw men in balaclavas

The jury were shown CCTV footage of the break-in, which showed the van making numerous attempts to yank the ATM from the shop, before neighbours and the store’s alarm are alerted and those involved were seen making their escape in the Audi.

Eye-witnesses described hearing a “loud drilling” noise and saw men wearing balaclavas in the street, before fleeing from the scene and leaving the van behind.

Police investigations showed that the white van had been equipped with false number plates, and had been stolen from the car park of a hotel shortly after 2am on January 26.

Cell site data placed Murray and Smallworth, both from Hounslow, in the vicinity of the stolen van that evening. Murray has admitted his involvement in the theft of the van, while Smallworth denies the charge.

Police investigations also found phone records and cell site data which connected Glynne, and Greene, both from Surrey, to their co-defendants and the break-in at Glads Mini Market.

Mr Dunham said it was “no coincidence” that their mobile phones were switched off during the time of the break-in.

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On July 8, 2021, the Metropolitan Police arrested Smallworth, Glynne and Murray and upon searching Glynne’s address, they found dark clothing and a black balaclava.

In Smallworth’s bedroom they found a number of car keys and fobs.

When interviewed in police custody, the three of them answered no comment to all relevant questions.

Green was arrested on July 23 and similarly answered no comment when interviewed.

The trial continues at Kingston Crown Court.

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https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/balaclava-gang-tied-van-atm-22667244

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