MULTIPLE arrests have been made as part of an ongoing theft investigation by Essex Police.

Six people have been arrested during a series of warrants this morning (February 22), as part of an ongoing police investigation into an ATM theft in Great Notley.

Officers with Essex Police carried out seven warrants at addresses in Sandiacres in Braintree, Lady Grove and Berkley Drive in Chelmsford as well as in Cambridgeshire.

It is part on an ongoing investigation into the theft of an ATM from the Co-op store in Panners Parade, Great Notley, on January 7.

The Co-op was burgled shortly after 12.15am on that morning in January, with police receiving a number of calls from members of the public reporting a vehicle had been used to break into the shop.

When officers attended, they found that a standalone ATM had been taken and major damage was caused to the front of the shop.

A vehicle was recovered close to the store that formed part of the investigation.

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Four men aged 22, 23, 25 and 37, alongside a 27-year-old woman have all been arrested of suspicion of burglary.

A 23-year-old woman has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They are all currently in custody.

Chief Inspector Colin Cox, District Commander for Braintree and Uttlesford, said: “We know the impact having an ATM stolen can have.

“It deprives a local community of an essential resource and, as was the case with the incident at Panners Parade, means their access to a vital local shop is also denied.

“This morning’s warrants are the result of some excellent investigative work through our Serious Organised Crime Unit.

“I am also grateful for the support of our colleagues at Cambridgeshire Police for their assistance in executing warrants in their area.”

Essex Police are continuing to appeal for anyone who has any information about the ATM theft to contact them, through a report online, by calling in or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously.

Those who get in touch should quote the crime reference number 42/4602/22.