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High-Tech Gang Nabs £2M in Cars While Owners Snooze
22 Nov
Summary
- Gang used signal boosters to steal 107 keyless cars worth £2.09 million.
- Criminals targeted wealthy neighborhoods over an eight-month period.
- Three ringleaders received sentences from 36 to 64 months in prison.
A sophisticated criminal group orchestrated a large-scale theft operation, targeting and stealing 107 high-value vehicles over eight months. The gang exploited keyless entry technology, using signal-boosting devices purchased online to unlock cars parked on the driveways of affluent residences. These brazen thefts, occurring under the cover of darkness, resulted in losses estimated at £2.09 million, with luxury brands like Bentley, Land Rover, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Audi being among the stolen vehicles.
The operation, led by George Berry, Benjamin Cross, and Bradley Paddick, involved a network that funneled the stolen cars to a chop shop in Surrey for dismantling. Police investigations revealed the gang's methods, prompting warnings to motorists to secure their car fobs and use signal-blocking pouches. The impact on victims was significant, causing immense stress and financial strain.
Sentencing at Southampton Crown Court saw the three ringleaders receive substantial prison sentences: Berry for 56 months, Cross for 64 months, and Paddick for 36 months. Several accomplices and partners also received sentences, including suspended jail terms and rehabilitation orders, highlighting the breadth of the conspiracy which also included charges of handling stolen goods and money laundering.
