7 charged in string of ATM thefts in Waterloo region and area

Waterloo Regional Police say seven people are facing 68 charges following a string of ATM thefts earlier this year.

Police say the losses from the thefts included $870,000 in stolen vehicles, $72,490 in cash stolen from ATMs, $114,300 in cash and property stolen during break-ins, and$387,120 in damage to commercial businesses.

• ATM thefts and attempts in Waterloo-Wellington since January
• Stolen truck used to steal bank machines from The Aud, say police
• Would-be thieves tried to take Esso ATM in Elora, say police

All seven people are from Kitchener.

Police said the same group of people are responsible for approximately 80 separate break and enters to commercial and residential locations throughout the province.

Of those 80,53 were in Waterloo region. Police forces in the Niagara region, London, Stratford and Toronto were also involved in the investigation.

Some of the more high-profile break-insoccurred at the Kitchener Auditorium, Fairview Park Mall, Stampede Corral in Kitchener and The Manor strip club in Guelph.

"The vehicles were taken from dealerships, also repair shops, and then used to extract theATMsfrom local businesses,"AlanaRussell ofWaterlooRegional Police told CBC News.

She added the vehicles were abandoned after the ATM heists.

Local investigators took the lead for the investigation and Russell said it was their dedication that led to charges being laid.

Arrests between April and July

"This particular occurrence would require some detail and some co-ordination and we believe these individuals were working together, not only in Waterloo region, but in these other areas," she said.

"It's really a result of the excellent police work and commitment of the investigators that have been able to bring this to a conclusion."

The seven people were arrested between April and July, police said. Charges included break and enter, motor vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, dangerous driving, theft under $5,000, obstructing police and mischief over $5,000.

Those charged include: Redwan Hussein, 20; Musie Ghebremichael, 21; Fasal Mushtaq, 22; Johnny Nguyen, 24; Leutrim Aliu, 25; and Arif Mohamed, 25.A seventh individual saw charges against them withdrawn.