FIVE men have received prison sentences totalling more than 30 years over their involvement in more than 100 home burglaries across the UK.
The group admitted stealing £3.45 million worth of fast and luxury cars during car key burglaries between May and August 2024.
Another six men are set to be sentenced tomorrow (April 17) for their part in the conspiracy, which is the biggest of its kind that West Mercia Police has ever investigated.
Worcester Crown Court heard how the group targeted 111 homes between May 1 and August 31 2024, often in the hours of darkness, entering the homes whilst the occupants slept.
Brief outlines of each of the incidents were read out in court, with many victims saying they felt violated and angry at the actions of the group.
In one case, on June 7, a woman was woken up by her dog to see three males at her house, having entered through the downstairs window. She said she was shocked to the core. Police had to abandon a pursuit during this incident after speeds reached more than 131mph.
In another case, the court heard how the occupants armed themselves with candlesticks, whilst in another, a woman woke up to find people in her bedroom.
In total, 98 cars were stolen over 96 days, worth an estimated £3.45 million. 40 of these cars were recovered but ‘generally stripped or written off’.
A further £119,000 in other items, such as cash and jewellery, some with “enormous sentimental value”, was also taken.
Each of those sentenced today had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary. They also all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conceal/disguise/transfer/remove criminal property, with the exception of Riley Reeve.
Charlie Taylor Bates, aged 20, of Shakespeare Lane, Harvington, Evesham, was sentenced to 58 months, and was disqualified from driving for 77 months.
Charlie Coombes, aged 20, of Grafton Lane, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester, was sentenced to 99 months, and was disqualified from driving for 96 months.
Jack Stephens, aged 19, of Willow Close, Bidford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, was sentenced to 76 months, and was disqualified from driving for 86 months.
Wesley Hunt, aged 50, of St Wulstans Close, Evesham, was sentenced to 86 months, and disqualified from driving for 91 months.
Riley Reeve, 28, of Pitwell Lane, Aldington, Evesham, was sentenced to 57 months, and was disqualified from driving for 76 months.
Cries could be heard from the public gallery during the sentencing, with Reeve shouting ‘I love you mum’. Meanwhile, Coombes made a rude gesture to Judge Andrew Lockhart. He was later given the chance to apologise and said he was sorry.
Talking directly to Stephens, the youngest defendant, Judge Lockhart said: “You’re still a young man, you’ve still got time to come back from this.”
Judge Andrew Lockhart KC, in his sentencing, said the group’s actions had left “a terrible, long-lasting impact on the victims” and “wreaked havoc in their lives without one thought for them”.
He added: “Many children have been appallingly badly affected by your actions”.
“Some of you stalked around wearing masks when children and adults were sleeping at night.”
The sentencing continues on Friday for six other defendants.
