Seven members of an organised crime gang responsible for a spree of thefts targeting farms have been jailed for a total of more than 25 years.
Up to £10million worth of equipment was stolen from rural business across Shropshire and northern Wales by the men.
Following an increase in burglaries across the region, Shropshire’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Team began an investigation in July 2023.
Farms in south Shropshire were found to be the primary targets, with agricultural equipment such as tractors, quad bikes and 4×4 pick-ups being taken, according to West Mercia Police.
Due to the rural locations of the crimes, police were forced to rely on CCTV footage, forensics and phone work in order to identify the suspects.
Officers then discovered the seven men were also linked to an investigation into thefts in Montgomeryshire being carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police.
Together, the two forces collated evidence for more than 150 offences dating from August 2022 to February 2024.
The seven men were arrested on March 20, 2024 and charged with conspiracy to steal from another.
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The seven men were arrested on March 20, 2024
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WEST MERCIA POLICE
The men were charged with conspiracy to steal from another
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WEST MERCIA POLICE
Having pleaded guilty at a previous hearing, the men were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on September 15 to a total of 25 years and five months.
The men sentenced are:
- Andrew Baker, 36, of Lovell Close in Shifnal, Shropshire – four years and five months
- Christopher Downes, 35, of Park View in Broseley, Shropshire – seven months
- Thomas Nutt, 27, of Bridgnorth Road in Broseley, Shropshire – four years and five months
- Wayne Price, 32, of Cross Houses in Shrewsbury, Shropshire – nine years
- Dean Rogerson, 34, of Homelands Park in Ketley Bank, Telford – three years and one-month
- Neil Shevlin, 32, of Four Winds in Norton, Shifnal, Shropshire – one-year and two months
- Ryan Taylor, 32, of Hayward Parade in Telford – two years and six months
The police urged people to take part in Rural Watch
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GETTY
Detective Sergeant Ben Docherty, from Shropshire’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Team, said: “We hope this sentence sends a strong message to anyone involved in this type of criminality that we take rural crime incredibly seriously and will investigate and do everything to ensure offenders are put before the courts.”
He also urged people to take part in Rural Watch, “a free scheme set up to support communities in the fight against rural crime”.
Chief Inspector Matthew Price, from Dyfed-Powys Police, added: “This investigation highlights the importance of neighbouring police forces working together to tackle cross-border crime, and that collaboration and partnerships result in the best outcomes of our communities.”
In April, GB News spoke with politicians, farmers and countryside experts about the rising crime rate across rural Britain.
A Countryside Alliance survey revealed that 96 per cent of respondents considered crime a significant issue in their local area.
Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) thought crime had increased in the past 12 months with 39 per cent personally experiencing rural crime in the past year.
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