A gang of cross-border criminals who carried out a series of burglaries to steal high-value cars has been sentenced to a combined total of over 40 years in prison.
The group targeted homes across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and as far south as Warwickshire between September 2020 and January 2021. Their method involved breaking into properties to steal car keys, fitting the vehicles with false number plates, and either selling the cars or using them to commit further crimes. Many of the stolen vehicles were transported to South Yorkshire.
The gang was responsible for burglaries at 15 homes and attempted break-ins at seven more properties, resulting in losses of over £329,000 in stolen vehicles and goods.
Key Sentences
Following a thorough investigation by Nottinghamshire Police’s county burglary team, nine gang members were sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on 16 and 17 January.
- Cory Heald (21), of Oxclose Lane, Arnold, who played an organisational role, was sentenced to 4 years and 10 months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to conceal criminal property.
- Dylan Stone (22), of Manor Road, Eastwood, who boasted about his crimes in rap lyrics, was jailed for 5 years and 10 months for conspiracy to commit burglary.
- Benjamin Wild (25), of HMP Wellingborough, received 6 years and 2 months for conspiracy to commit burglary.
- Declan Russell (25), also of HMP Wellingborough, was sentenced to 6 years and 2 months for conspiracy to commit burglary, using taxis to travel to crime scenes.
- Jordan Chaplin (23), of Nottingham Road, Nottingham, was jailed for 3 years and 5 months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to conceal criminal property.
- Cameron Mickle (27), of Hoe View Road, Cropwell Bishop, who provided a hideout and transport for the gang, was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months for conspiracy to commit burglary.
- Reece Stephens (23), of Norwell Place, Nottingham, received 2 years and 8 months for conspiracy to conceal criminal property by supplying false number plates and selling stolen cars.
- Jamie Bentley (34), of HMP Nottingham, was arrested just 15 minutes after a break-in and sentenced to 6 years and 4 months for conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to conceal criminal property.
- Aynsley Rayner (31), of Hoe View Road, Cropwell Bishop, who assisted the gang by providing support and resources, was given a 2-year suspended sentence for assisting an offender.
Investigation and Impact
The case involved extensive collaboration between proactive police teams and the use of advanced investigative techniques to trace the offenders.
Detective Constable Richard Shaw of Nottinghamshire Police’s county burglary team commented:
“This was a challenging case with multiple offenders and offences committed across different force areas. Our complex inquiries and proactive efforts led to a watertight case and justice for the victims.”
He added:
“Burglary has a lasting impact on victims. No one should wake up to find their home violated and their car stolen. We are committed to bringing offenders to justice and ensuring our communities feel safe.”
Public Appeal
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to police to help prevent similar crimes. Anyone with information about burglaries can contact Nottinghamshire Police via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
