A professional burglary gang responsible for a £2.6 million crime spree across businesses in the West Midlands has been dismantled following a major police operation. The five Wolverhampton-based men targeted commercial sites over several months, stealing metal and vehicles and causing extensive damage and disruption to local businesses.
The gang, who often raided businesses over holiday periods, used heavy-duty equipment to steal materials and even filmed some of their crimes, referring to themselves as the ‘Sticky Bandits’ in reference to the *Home Alone* movies. They transported stolen goods to their base on Watery Lane, Wolverhampton, using vehicles with cloned plates.
During the investigation, police uncovered footage of gang members mocking business owners and creating graffiti during break-ins. The total damage and stolen materials cost businesses £1.6 million, with an additional £200,000 in damages and £800,000 in lost sales and security expenses.
The men, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle, were sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court:
– Adam Shakespeare, 31 – six years and five months
– David Smith, 36 – six years and four months
– Lee Fletcher, 33 – six years and four months
– Royston Hallard, 30 – six years and four months
– David Williams, 44 – three years and four months
Detective Constable Kelly Whyte from the Major Crime Proactive Unit said, “This organised criminality on an industrial scale caused huge disruption and financial strain for businesses.” The sentences are part of *Operation Target*, West Midlands Police’s ongoing effort to tackle serious and organised crime.