In a sweeping operation targeting a string of cash machine raids, West Midlands Police have charged three individuals following a months-long investigation into a series of burglaries that netted more than £300,000 across several regions in the UK. The suspects—David Price, 43, of Blakenhall; Adam Walker, 38, of Moseley; and Joanne McGregor, 40, of Wednesfield, all in Wolverhampton—were apprehended in a coordinated early morning raid on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Their arrests mark a significant development in what authorities describe as a persistent and organized campaign against financial institutions throughout the Midlands and into Wales.
According to BBC, the trio stand accused of conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, and possession of criminal property. The charges stem from an investigation that began in February 2025, when a spate of burglaries targeting cash machines (ATMs) began to ripple through the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, the West Mercia Police region, and Denbighshire in Wales. Over the course of ten months, the group is alleged to have targeted 27 cash machines, with 14 of these raids proving successful. One particularly notable incident occurred on June 25, 2025, when a cash box was stolen during a raid on a Santander branch on Stourbridge High Street.
West Midlands Police, in a statement reported by BBC, detailed the breadth of the operation: “We’ve charged three people from Wolverhampton as part of an investigation into nearly 30 raids on cash machines across the country by a gang which stole more than £300,000.” The statement continued, “Specialist equipment was used to break into buildings with cash machines inside, with burglaries happening in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, the West Mercia Police area and Wales.”
The investigation, codenamed Operation Target, is part of the police force’s ongoing, round-the-clock battle against serious and organized crime in the region. Operation Target has been instrumental in coordinating resources and intelligence to confront complex criminal networks that often span multiple jurisdictions and involve sophisticated methods of entry and theft. In this case, the gang’s use of specialist equipment enabled them to bypass conventional security measures, allowing them to access cash machines housed within a variety of buildings—sometimes in the dead of night, sometimes in broad daylight.
The suspects were apprehended as part of a meticulously planned operation that unfolded in the early hours of December 18. Five individuals were arrested in total, but only Price, Walker, and McGregor were charged; the other two were released on bail as the investigation continues. The three accused are scheduled to appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Saturday, December 20, 2025, where they will face the full weight of the charges against them.
“Yesterday evening we charged David Price, aged 43, of Blakenhall in Wolverhampton along with Adam Walker, aged 38, of Moseley in Wolverhampton, and Joanne McGregor, aged 40, of Wednesfield,” a police spokesperson told local press. “They are accused of conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, and possession of criminal property, and will appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court today (20 Dec).”
For communities across the Midlands and Wales, the news offers both relief and a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that persist within the country’s financial infrastructure. The targeted raids, which spanned urban and rural locations alike, have raised questions about the security of cash machines and the evolving tactics of organized crime groups. In many cases, the thefts were brazen, with criminals using advanced tools to gain entry to buildings and access the cash machines within. While only 14 of the 27 raids resulted in successful thefts, the cumulative losses exceeded £300,000—a sum that underscores the scale and impact of the operation.
Local business owners and residents have expressed concern about the frequency and audacity of such crimes. “It’s unsettling to see these kinds of raids happening so close to home,” said one shopkeeper near the Stourbridge High Street Santander branch, speaking to BBC. “You start to wonder whether your own business could be next.” The visual aftermath of the raids—police tape draped across bank facades, forensic teams combing for evidence—has become an all-too-familiar sight in affected areas.
Law enforcement officials are keen to highlight the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in tackling organized crime. Operation Target, which remains active, relies not only on specialist police units but also on tips and information from members of the public. Authorities encourage anyone with knowledge of suspicious activity around cash machines or financial institutions to come forward, emphasizing that community engagement is a critical component in preventing future incidents.
The case also sheds light on the broader challenges facing law enforcement in the digital age. As criminals adopt increasingly sophisticated methods—ranging from physical break-ins using high-tech equipment to cyber-enabled fraud—police forces must adapt their strategies and invest in new technologies to stay one step ahead. The successful identification and apprehension of the suspects in this case demonstrate the value of coordinated, intelligence-led policing, but also highlight the need for ongoing investment in both personnel and equipment.
For now, the focus remains squarely on the upcoming court proceedings. The three accused, if found guilty, could face significant prison sentences, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the substantial financial losses incurred. Meanwhile, the two individuals released on bail remain under investigation, and police have not ruled out further arrests as their inquiries continue.
As the investigation unfolds, West Midlands Police have reiterated their commitment to protecting local communities and disrupting organized criminal enterprises. “The investigation is part of Operation Target, our 24/7 fight against serious and organised crime in the West Midlands,” the police spokesperson stressed. “We will continue to pursue those who seek to profit from crime and bring them to justice.”
With the suspects now facing the courts, residents and business owners alike are watching closely, hopeful that this breakthrough will deter future attacks and restore a sense of security to the region’s high streets and banking halls. The case stands as a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and the ongoing battle to safeguard public assets from the reach of organized crime.
