£347,000 Plant Machinery Theft Gang Busted by Surrey Police
Surrey Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit has smashed a gang behind a £347,000 plant machinery and vehicle heist. Two top crooks have been sentenced for their roles in this massive crime spree.
Four Crooks Locked Up at Guildford Crown Court
- James Sayers, 36 from Bramley – 3 years for conspiracy to steal.
- Freddie Stevens, 22 from Bordon – 3 years for conspiracy to steal, burglary & vehicle theft.
- James Smith, 38 from Guildford – 18 months suspended for conspiracy to steal.
- Ben Price, 45 from Guildford – 12 months for handling stolen goods, released due to time served.
How The Gang Pulled Off Their Raids
The crooks targeted building sites, car parks, and driveways under cover of darkness. Their loot? High-value machinery and posh vehicles like Land Rovers and Range Rovers.
They used six “mission vehicles”, mostly nicked and fitted with fake, cloned number plates to dodge the cops. After stealing, the crooks stashed their haul for days before shifting it on.
Brazen Jewellery Heist While On Bail
Notorious Freddie Stevens went full rogue while on bail. He helped smash and grab two Range Rovers during a daring daylight raid on Clayden & Co Jewellers in Bognor Regis.
One stolen car was rammed through metal gates so Stevens could raid jewellery cases, making off with £30,000 worth of stock and causing £20,000 damage. Both cars were later torched – one in Hampshire, the other in West Sussex.
Forensics found Stevens’ blood at the scene, sealing his doom when he showed up for a police interview.
Police Strike Back: No Soft Touch for Crooks
“This is not a victimless crime,” said Detective Constable Alex Boxall, lead investigator. “These thieves wreck small businesses, pushing owners into debt or even closure.” “They think it’s low-risk, high-reward. Today’s sentences prove otherwise.”
Stolen Machinery? Act Fast to Catch Thieves
If your machinery or vehicle is stolen, call 999 immediately if it’s happening now. Otherwise, report it online to help police nab the crooks before they vanish with your gear.
