Police have hailed the “highly positive” conviction a criminal gang who used explosives to carry out heists at ATMs across the north-east.
At the High Court in Glasgow, Robin Vaughan, 43, Joseph McHale, 38, and Kevin Schruyers, 42, all from Liverpool, were found guilty in relation to a number of ATM attacks in Aberdeenshire.
The charges related to a crime spree in 2013, including offences at New Deer in September whereby more than £21,000 was stolen and Bieldside, Aberdeen, during the same month where more than £110,000 was taken.
McHale and Schruyers were also found guilty in relation to attempted ATM thefts at Mintlaw in August 2013, Ellon in October 2013 and Stonehaven, Inverurie and Bucksburn in the same month.
The pair have also been found guilty of theft by house-breaking at Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, South Deeside Road, Aberdeen, whereby a quantity of clothing, golf equipment and money were taken.
Chief Inspector Graeme Mackie, who was the senior investigating Officer, said: “I would like to acknowledge the conviction of these three individuals, who will be sentenced at a later date, and welcome this highly positive result.
“These incidents were high profile and caused a great deal of concern to the communities of the north-east during 2013. This was a complex Police enquiry and involved a number of specialist Police officers and joint working between Police Scotland, Police forces in England and other partner agencies.
“I would like to commend the effort and work undertaken by all the officers involved in this enquiry and also the public, whose assistance was vital. “
All three accused have been remanded in custody and are expected to be sentenced on June 16, 2016.