TWO men have been jailed for a total of nine years following the theft of a cash machine from a petrol station.

Robert Harker, 35-years-old, of Hundens Lane, Darlington and Asa Dominic Smith, 23-years-old, of Land Ends Road, Doncaster have been jailed after stealing an ATM by smashing through the wall of a petrol station in the Dunnington area of York with a stolen industrial vehicle.

They both pleaded guilty and were sentenced at York Crown Court on Thursday.

The theft happened in the early hours of Monday, June 29, 2015 when a Merlo Telehandler vehicle was stolen and used to destroy the wall of the petrol station.

Making use of CCTV footage, forensic evidence and digital media information officers were able to identify the men involved.

Further enquiries led to the arrest of the two men.

Detective Constable Theresa Wright, of North Yorkshire Police’s Serious Crime Team said: “This event had a significant impact on the residents and local businesses of Dunnington.

“This was at face value an organised criminal act and we have worked alongside external agencies and partner Police Forces to ensure a positive outcome for this case, which we are very pleased about.”

Temporary Detective Sergeant Kevin Goodman, of North Yorkshire Police’s Investigation Hub said:

“These men were driven by greed and it was by sheer luck that no one was injured by their reckless actions.

“This was a multi-faceted investigation which came together with the valued assistance from the local community, whose support and invaluable information ultimately helped to bring the offenders to justice.

“We’re thrilled with the substantial sentences handed down today which reflect the very serious nature of this crime.”

Both officers received a Judges' Commendation for their dedication to the investigation.

Harker was sentenced to five years and four months imprisonment and Smith to four years and two months.