Organised Crime Gang Jailed for £2 Million Car Theft Spree
Five members of an organised crime gang responsible for stealing over £2 million worth of vehicles have been jailed following a major police investigation described by a judge as “remarkable and thorough.”
The gang stole 107 high-end vehicles from driveways across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire between February and October 2023, using sophisticated technology to target keyless ignition cars while their owners slept.
Appearing at Southampton Crown Court earlier today (Thursday, 9 October), the five defendants were sentenced for their roles in what was described as a “highly sophisticated commercial operation”.
Sentences handed down:
• George Berry, 32, of Bronte Way, Southampton
▪ Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, possession of criminal property
▪ Sentenced to 56 months in prison
• Benjamin Cross, 25, of Newman Road, Bursledon, Southampton
▪ Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, possession of criminal property, perverting the course of justice
▪ Sentenced to 64 months in prison
• Rachael Moran, 31, of Bronte Way, Southampton
▪ Possession of criminal property
▪ 12-month sentence suspended for 18 months
• Bradley Paddick, 22, of Montague Avenue, Southampton
▪ Conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods
▪ Sentenced to 36 months in prison
• Charlotte Traves, 24, of Newman Road, Bursledon, Southampton
▪ Possession of criminal property, perverting the course of justice
▪ 18-month sentence suspended for 18 months
The court heard that the gang used signal boosters to trick vehicles into thinking the key fob was nearby, allowing them to gain access and start the engine. They also used signal jammers to prevent vehicles from locking, with owners often unaware that their cars were left unsecured.
Once stolen, many of the vehicles were taken to a ‘chop shop’ where they were stripped for parts and sold on.
Judge at Southampton Crown Court said the thefts would be “alarming and frightening” to any owner of a high-value car, and praised the police for an “exceptional” investigation.
‘Thugs who caused vast harm’
Detective Constable Paul Beasley, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said:
“The vast majority of the vehicles were stolen by these thugs in the middle of the night from driveways as the owners slept.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
More Sentencing to Follow
A further seven members of the same organised crime group are due to be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on 21 November. They include:
• Frank Bran, 23, of International Way, Southampton
• Brandon Cross, 26, of Bursledon Road, Southampton
• Jason Downs, 21, of Walton Place, Winchester
• Gary Kelly, 38, of Ringwood Road, Bransgore, Dorset
• William Martin, 24, of Corfe Lodge Road, Broadstone, Dorset
• Billy Masters, 24, of Bramley Crescent, Southampton
• Matthew Watkins, 24, of Manor Road, Ringwood
Police Urge Public to Take Precautions
Vehicle owners, particularly those with keyless ignition systems, are being urged to take preventative measures:
• Use steering or wheel locks, preferably products approved by Secured by Design, the official police security initiative
• Store key fobs away from doors and windows to reduce signal exposure
• Use Faraday pouches to block key signals when not in use
For more information and advice visit the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.