West Midlands Burglary Gang Sentenced to Over 38 Years in Prison
Chilling CCTV footage has captured the moments a burglary gang, with members based in the West Midlands, carried out a series of high-value thefts across the country. The gang, consisting of an Albanian organised crime group (OGC) and a British woman, targeted more than 40 properties, leading to police raids in Birmingham and the Black Country.
Nationwide Crime Spree and Police Investigation
The gang committed at least 44 burglaries nationwide, including nine in Staffordshire, stealing over £1 million worth of goods. Items taken included designer handbags, expensive wine, cash, and jewellery, with most sold on, though some were recovered. Staffordshire Police worked alongside forces from Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire to apprehend the culprits.
Video released by police showed masked individuals scaling balconies using ladders and hauling away heavy boxes, such as safes. In one clip, two figures lifted a grey box over a fence panel, nearly tripping over a child's scooter, while struggling with its weight. Another video depicted a suspect wielding a ladder up to a balcony, triggering spotlights, followed by a second culprit climbing up.
Raids and Arrests Across the UK
Raids were conducted at addresses in Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, and Birmingham, resulting in the arrest of four gang members. Another was arrested in Surrey, and a final member in Sheffield. During these raids, nearly £17,000 of stolen items were discovered, including 13 designer handbags and 14 watches.
The gang targeted homes in the Black Country, specifically Aldridge, and Staffordshire locations like Cheslyn Hay, Stone, and Abbots Bromley. Some stolen items held sentimental value, and officers continue efforts to locate them. Detectives from Staffordshire Police found a DNA hit for one member in the county.
Court Sentencing and Gang Members
Five members of the gang were collectively jailed for more than 38 years at Chester Crown Court on April 13 and 14. A sixth member is due to be sentenced later this month. The sentenced individuals include:
- Endrit Nikolli, 27, of Walsall: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to possess criminal property.
- Kristian Gropcaj, 30, of Birmingham: Jailed for 10 years for conspiracy to commit burglary and a concurrent sentence of five-and-a-half years for conspiracy to possess criminal property.
- George Lleshaj, 31, of Walsall: Jailed for nine years for conspiracy to commit burglary and a concurrent sentence of four-and-a-half years for conspiracy to possess criminal property.
- Krisjian Dedndreaj, 28, of Walsall: Jailed for nine years for conspiracy to commit burglary and a concurrent sentence of five years for conspiracy to possess criminal property.
- Sidorjan Lleshi, 26, of Sheffield: Jailed for 10 years and nine months for conspiracy to commit burglary, one count of burglary, and conspiracy to possess criminal property, with 15 additional burglary counts taken into consideration.
- Jade Tubb, 33, of Coventry: Sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for possession of criminal property after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess criminal property.
This case highlights the extensive efforts by police to combat organised crime and bring justice to victims affected by these burglaries.
