A criminal gang responsible for a major spree of luxury car thefts across the Midlands has been sentenced to a total of more than 27 years in prison. The group stole over 70 high-value vehicles with an estimated worth of £2 million during a seven-month campaign.
Sophisticated Methods and a Nationwide Operation
The organised crime group employed what police described as "incredibly sophisticated" methods to carry out their thefts. Officers recovered specialised equipment, including signal jamming devices and vehicle tracking technology, which were used to bypass modern car security systems.
Although the gang operated across several counties, including Cheshire and Derbyshire, the majority of their crimes were concentrated in Staffordshire. The police investigation was sparked after stolen vehicle parts were discovered in Kent and Hampshire, indicating the wide reach of the operation.
Police Investigation and Key Breakthroughs
The investigation, led by Staffordshire Police, uncovered a workshop in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Inside, officers found two stolen vehicles that had already been dismantled, along with two stolen vans. Forensic work at this location proved crucial in linking multiple gang members to the stolen cars and parts.
A significant breakthrough came when Derbyshire Constabulary pursued a Toyota. The occupants were arrested, and their rucksacks were found to contain the high-tech theft equipment. This led police directly to a Longton hotel room, where another member of the gang was apprehended.
Sentencing and Dismantling the Network
Following the extensive investigation, four men were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court. The sentences, handed down for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, included one term of five years and five months. The collective jail time for the group exceeded 27 years.
The gang's crime spree took place between March and October 2023. The successful prosecution marks the dismantling of a significant organised crime network that targeted high-end cars across the UK, causing substantial financial loss and distress to victims.
