Five members of a brutal organised crime gang have been locked up for stealing over £2 million worth of vehicles across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire. The gang stole 107 luxury cars, mostly at night, taking them from owners’ driveways between February and October 2023.
This gang was not your average joyrider group—they used sophisticated technology to carry out their crimes. Signal boosters tricked keyless ignition systems into believing the owner’s key fob was nearby, allowing them to unlock cars without any signs of forced entry. They also employed signal jammers to prevent owners from locking their cars properly, leaving vehicles vulnerable while owners slept.
The stolen cars were then taken to a ‘chop shop’ where they were dismantled and sold for parts. The judge described this operation as “highly commercial” and “alarming” for any car owner.
The following sentences were handed down to the gang members:
- George Berry, 32 – 56 months for conspiracy to steal vehicles, handling stolen goods, and possession of criminal property.
- Benjamin Cross, 25, Southampton – 64 months for conspiracy to steal, handling stolen goods, possession of criminal property, and perverting the course of justice.
- Bradley Paddick, 22, Southampton – 36 months for conspiracy to steal and handling stolen goods.
- Rachael Moran, 31, Southampton – 12 months suspended for possession of criminal property.
- Charlotte Traves, 24, Southampton – 18 months suspended for possession of criminal property and perverting the course of justice.
The judge praised the police for their “remarkable and thorough” investigation that dismantled the entire gang operation.
DC Paul Beasley from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said, “Most cars were stolen in the dead of night while owners were fast asleep. The financial and emotional toll on victims has been huge. Our team clocked over 12,000 hours, with help from seven police forces. This gang is finished, and we hope this sends a clear warning to anyone tempted to swipe other people’s hard-earned vehicles.”
Another seven gang members are due to be sentenced on 21 November. They include:
- Frank Bran, 23, Southampton
- Brandon Cross, 26, Southampton
- Jason Downs, 21, Winchester
- Gary Kelly, 38, Bransgore
- William Martin, 24, Broadstone
- Billy Masters, 24, Southampton
- Matthew Watkins, 24, Ringwood
Car owners are urged to protect their vehicles by investing in approved steering or wheel locks from Secured by Design. For those with keyless ignition vehicles, it is recommended to keep key fobs away from doors and windows to prevent signal hacking. Using Faraday pouches can also shield keys and stop thieves in their tracks.
For more tips on protecting your car, visit the Hampshire Police Crime Prevention Site.
Originally published by UKNIP.
