Organised Crime Gang Jailed After Stealing Over £2 Million in High-End Cars
An organised crime group responsible for stealing more than £2 million worth of vehicles across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire has been dismantled, following what a judge described as a “remarkable and thorough” police investigation.
The gang targeted 107 vehicles between February and October 2023, focusing mainly on keyless, high-value cars parked on residential driveways in the middle of the night. Police said the group used signal-boosting technology to unlock vehicles before transporting them to a “chop shop” where they were stripped for parts.
A total of 12 people have now been sentenced at Southampton Crown Court.
Sentences
Five members were sentenced on Thursday 9 October:
• George Berry, 32, Bronte Way, Southampton — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, possession of criminal property. 56 months’ imprisonment.
• Benjamin Cross, 25, Newman Road, Bursledon — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, possession of criminal property, perverting the course of justice. 64 months’ imprisonment.
• Rachael Moran, 31, Bronte Way, Southampton — possession of criminal property. 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
• Bradley Paddick, 22, Montague Avenue, Southampton — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods. 36 months’ imprisonment.
• Charlotte Traves, 24, Newman Road, Bursledon — possession of criminal property, perverting the course of justice. 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
A further seven were sentenced on Friday 21 November:
• Frank Bran, 23, International Way, Southampton — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods. 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
• Brandon Cross, 26, Bursledon Road, Southampton — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
• Jason Downs, 21, Walton Place, Winchester — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods. 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
• Gary Kelly, 38, Ringwood Road, Bransgore — conspiracy to handle stolen goods. 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
• William Martin, 24, Corfe Lodge Road, Broadstone — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods. Eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
• Billy Masters, 24, Bramley Crescent, Southampton — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, possession of criminal property. Eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
• Matthew Watkins, 24, Manor Road, Ringwood — conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, dangerous driving. 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
“Alarming and frightening” thefts
The court heard the gang operated as a “highly sophisticated commercial operation”, with George Berry and Benjamin Cross identified as playing “leading roles in the conspiracy”.
Judge remarks described the thefts as “alarming” and “frightening” for owners of high-value vehicles, many of whom were asleep when their cars were silently taken.
Police: “The financial hurt is vast”
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Paul Beasley of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit praised the work of the officers involved and highlighted the impact on victims.
“The vast majority of the vehicles were stolen by these thugs in the middle of the night from driveways as the owners slept,” he said.
“The financial hurt caused by this group to so many families is vast, and many of the victims of these thefts have also suffered mental harm from the distress.”
He added that losing a vehicle can be hugely disruptive to everyday life:
“For many people, having their car stolen can completely disrupt their day-to-day lives as these are relied upon so much for their work commutes, school runs, grocery shopping and social lives.”
DC Beasley praised the extent of the investigative effort:
“Our investigation has been extremely thorough. Seven different police forces were involved in some capacity, and my team alone put in more than 12,000 hours to make sure this group was brought to justice.”
He said the operation has now been completely dismantled:
“I’m proud to say that our efforts have completely dismantled this organised crime group and I hope this serves as a warning to those who think they can just take what other people have worked hard to earn.”
Advice for vehicle owners
Police are urging owners of keyless vehicles to take precautions, including:
• Using steering or wheel locks certified by Secured by Design
• Keeping key fobs away from doors and windows
• Storing keys in Faraday pouches to block signal relay attempts
More guidance is available on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website.