Four men, including one from Kent, have been sentenced to a total of 17 years after admitting their part in the theft or attempted theft of 17 cash machines and 10 vehicle thefts across the country.

The thefts and damage caused to property totalled over £500,000, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Stewart Bentley, Paul Mockford, George Welford and Martin Godwin were charged with conspiracy to steal relating to offences between 27 May 2007 and 29 July 2008.

Stewart Bentley, Paul Mockford, George Welford and Martin Godwin were charged with conspiracy to steal relating to offences between 27 May 2007 and 29 July 2008.

George Welford, 40, a construction worker from Hoo, was sentenced to five years and disqualified from driving for five years.

Stewart Bentley, 36, form Ilford, Essex, was sentenced to three years and was also disqualified from driving for three years.

Paul Mockford, 36, Southgate, of London N14, was given five years and disqualified from driving for five years.

Martin Godwin, 35, a railway engineer from Turpin Road, Romford, was sentenced to a total of four years and was also disqualified from driving for three years.

Cash machines attacked involved sites in Dover, Tenderden, Rainham and Hawkhurst, but also further afield including Nottingham and Essex

The judge commended the Kent officer in charge of the investigation.

A total of 25 cash machine thefts or attempted thefts of cash machines, and 10 vehicle thefts have been linked as part of a series investigated by Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit.

Detective Sergeant Rob Haines from Kent Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit said: "We have carried out an intensive investigation together with our colleagues from other forces in order to bring these men before the courts.

"In this joint investigation we have established the full extent of damage, chaos and disregard all four men have had in order to satisfy their own relentless greed.

"These men have targeted areas across the country with no thought of the damage they have left in their wake. This investigation shows the extent our officers will go to in order to bring those to justice who continue to offend in our community and even across the country."