A TRIO have been charged following a series of linked ‘ram raids’ across the South East with one including a Reading petrol station.

The Metropolitan Police said three men were charged with non-residential burglary on August 19 in Reading and conspiracy to commit burglary between November 2021 and August 2022.

This comes after a string of eight offences committed between November 14, 2021, and December, 29, 2021, and another eight committed between January 29, 2022 and August, 10, 2022, which police believe to be linked.

Many of them were night-time burglaries committed by an organised criminal group, according to the Metropolitan police.

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They said the suspects are believed to have used stolen vehicles to ‘ram raid’ commercial premises, often ripping out ATMs or cashboxes before making off.

On Friday, a group allegedly stole a Range Rover in Reading before carrying out a raid at an Esso petrol station and Tesco Express outlet in Buckingham Drive, Reading, at 2.30am.

Officers said another stolen vehicle, an Alpha Romeo, was also involved in the raid.

Metropolitan Police officers arrested three men near the location but one escaped.

The men were found to be in possession of stolen cashboxes and various tools and weapons, the Met said.

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A fifth man was arrested later on August 19 in the Hounslow area. He was taken into police custody and subsequently released under investigation.

On Friday, three men were charged in connection with the investigation.

They will appear in custody at Isleworth Magistrates' Court on Monday, August 22.