Car Thieves Busted: £2 Million High-End Car Heist Gang Jailed
Five members of a brutal organised crime gang have been locked up for nicking over £2million worth of vehicles across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire. The crooks stole 107 luxury cars, mostly at night, ripping them off owners’ driveways between February and October 2023.
How the Gang Pulled Off Their Heists
This gang wasn’t your average joyriders—they used slick tech tricks to hit their targets. Signal boosters fooled keyless ignition systems into thinking the owner’s key fob was nearby, unlocking cars with zero signs of breaking in. They also used signal jammers to stop owners locking their cars properly, leaving vehicles ripe for the taking while the owners slept.
The stolen motors were then dismantled at a ‘chop shop’ to sell parts — a professional and chilling racket the judge called “highly commercial” and “alarming” for any car owner.
Jail Terms for the Crime Crew
- George Berry, 32 – 56 months for conspiracy to steal vehicles, handling stolen goods, and possession of criminal property.
- Benjamin Cross, 25, southampton/" title="Southampton" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Southampton – 64 months for conspiracy to steal, handling stolen goods, possession of criminal property, and perverting the course of justice.
- Bradley Paddick, 22, Southampton – 36 months for conspiracy to steal and handling stolen goods.
- Rachael Moran, 31, Southampton – 12 months suspended for possession of criminal property.
- Charlotte Traves, 24, Southampton – 18 months suspended for possession of criminal property and perverting the course of justice.
The judge praised police for their “remarkable and thorough” investigation that smashed the entire gang operation.
Police Hit Back
“Most cars were stolen in the dead of night while owners were fast asleep. The financial and emotional toll on victims has been huge,” said DC Paul Beasley from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit. “Our team clocked over 12,000 hours, with help from seven police forces. This gang is finished, and we hope this sends a clear warning to anyone tempted to swipe other people’s hard-earned vehicles.”
More Sentences on the Way
Another seven gang members face sentencing on 21 November. They include:
- Frank Bran, 23, Southampton
- Brandon Cross, 26, Southampton
- Jason Downs, 21, Winchester
- Gary Kelly, 38, Bransgore
- William Martin, 24, Broadstone
- Billy Masters, 24, Southampton
- Matthew Watkins, 24, Ringwood
How to Protect Your Precious Car
Car owners are urged to invest in approved steering or wheel locks from Secured by Design. If you have a keyless ignition vehicle, keep key fobs away from doors and windows to block signal hacking. Using Faraday pouches can also shield your keys and stop thieves in their tracks.
For top tips on protecting your motor, visit the Hampshire Police Crime Prevention Site.
