A gang who used a ‘decoder’ device to steal cars and van has been jailed for a combined total of 30 years.
The five-strong gang targeted Ford vehicles and were able to take them without the keys by interfering with the software.
The stolen cars were then used on false or cloned number plates to carry out a number of burglaries at commercial premises.
Just over £416,000 worth of cars and property were stolen by the gang in the Black Country between June and October 2017.
Detectives from our high harm team were able to link to gang to 23 vehicle thefts and 12 burglaries, they also caused significant damage to commercial premises as they forced their way into them.
The gang conspired to target vehicles, steal them and use them to commit further offences. Many of the vehicles, number plates and stolen property were generally recovered close to the gangs homes.
Police were able to link them through extensive phone work, CCTV and forensics, including DNA recovered from their crimes and detectives painstakingly put the case together.
One man was found guilty following a trial in June, the rest of the gang pleaded guilty and were sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court last Wednesday (8 September).
Anthony McDonagh, aged, 34, from Astoria Close, Willenhall was sentenced to nine years and two months in prison for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to commit burglaries
Mitchell Baker, aged 25, from Dartmouth Avenue, Willenhall was sentenced seven years and seven months in prison for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to commit burglaries
Liam Baker, aged 26, from Dartmouth Avenue, Willenhall was sentenced to seven years and one month in prison for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to commit burglaries
Ashley Poultney, aged 26, from Slater Street, Willenhall, was sentenced to two years in prison suspended for 20 months for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles
Sundeep Dyail, aged 26, from March End Road, Wednesfield was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for handling stolen goods.
DC Steve Trotman from our force CID, said: “The upset, misery and inconvenience their actions have caused all of the people affected by their crimes is shocking.
“They went to great lengths to carry out their crimes and probably thought they were getting away with it.
“I hope this outcome provides all of those affected with some comfort.
“We’re committed to actively pursuing those who cause harm like this in our communities.”