Smirking Burglars Jailed After Flaunting Stolen Mercedes Keys on Social Media
Two burglars who brazenly posed with stolen Mercedes car keys and shared the images on social media have been handed prison sentences for their crimes. Thomas Wood and Connor Wrigley, both from Macclesfield, broke into a property on Orford Avenue in Disley during the early hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025.
The court heard how the pair forced entry into the address and stole the keys to two Mercedes vehicles parked outside. They then fled the scene in the stolen cars, heading towards Stockport. The incident was promptly reported to the police, who launched an investigation using CCTV and ANPR footage to identify the suspects.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrests
Following their escape, Wrigley and Wood were tracked to an address in Salford, where they were arrested on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. During a search of the property, officers recovered several mobile phones, designer clothing, and the keys to one of the stolen vehicles, which were found hidden in bushes beneath a bedroom window.
Analysis of the phones revealed incriminating evidence, including photos of Wood grinning as he displayed the stolen Mercedes keys. Messages on the devices showed Wrigley attempting to sell the vehicles, along with videos of him driving them. This digital evidence played a crucial role in linking the men to the burglary.
Third Defendant Sentenced for Handling Stolen Property
A third man, Ryan Howarth, 22, of Freeman Road in Dukinfield, was also implicated in the case. Messages between Wrigley and Howarth indicated that Howarth had assisted in transporting one of the stolen vehicles to West Yorkshire. One of the Mercedes was later recovered in Dukinfield on cloned number plates.
All three defendants appeared before Chester Crown Court on Friday, where they pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Wood, 24, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison. Wrigley received a four-year sentence, which included the activation of a previously suspended term. Howarth was given a 15-month sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting to handling stolen property.
Police Emphasize Impact of Burglary on Victims
After the hearing, PC Benjamin Dickinson of Cheshire Police commented on the case, stating, “Burglary is a horrific offence, and we’re committed to using all the tools available to us to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The impact burglary can have on a victim should never be underestimated. The effect on victims can be long-lasting and even lead to some wanting to move house once their safe space has been violated by these thieves.”
Detective Sergeant Laura Fox of Macclesfield Proactive CID added, “Wrigley and Wood deliberately targeted this address to steal high-powered vehicles, taking away the victim’s sense of security before flaunting their gains, showing not only their disregard for the law but their desire to gain attention and status from their actions. The dedication and relentless pursuit by the team here at Macclesfield Proactive CID was instrumental in holding Wrigley, Wood and Howarth to account and securing justice for the victim in this case.”
The police reiterated a clear message to potential offenders: “If you commit crime in this county, you will be caught and you will be brought to justice.” This case highlights the serious consequences of burglary and the effectiveness of modern policing techniques in apprehending criminals who exploit social media to boast about their illegal activities.
