A man has been caged for six years after pleading guilty to cash machine thefts in north Kent.

In October 2006 Henry Dunn, of Barnfield Caravan Site, South Ash Road, Ash, Sevenoaks used a stolen 4x4 vehicle to remove a cash machine from the BP Tollgate Service Station on the A2 at Gravesend.

Then in August 2007 the 26-year-old used a mechanical digger to remove a cash machine from the Nationwide Building Society at Longfield. Extensive damage costing in excess of £140,000 was caused to the building and to a house next door.

Dunn was also sentenced to three years for the theft of metal cabling from Maidstone in January 2007. Maidstone Crown Court heard how Dunn will have to serve the sentences concurrently.

The arrest of Dunn followed an intensive 12 month investigation by Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into an organised criminal gang operating in Kent and neighbouring areas.

The investigation targeted a wide range of organised criminal activity, including stealing from cash machine, robberies, burglaries and theft of lead and metal. Officers from SOCU at Kent Police worked closely with officers from North and West Kent throughout the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Rob Haines from SOCU at Kent Police said: " Dunn's appearance at court is a result of a diligent and thorough investigation by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit at Kent Police. Dunn committed serious offences in his own community, showing no regard for others and putting lives at risk. It is fitting that he will now serve a custodial sentence. "

Upon sentencing presiding Judge Philip Statman described his outrage that these offences are taking place in today's civilised society. He also commended the investigation team highlighting the technical skill involved in the investigation.