Crime Boss Caged for Nearly Nine Years in High-Tech Car Theft Gang
Kashif Rafiq, 38, aka Anjum Nawaz, from Oozehead Lane, Blackburn, has been locked up for eight years and nine months. He masterminded a high-stakes crime spree involving burglary and stealing luxury cars across Lancashire, Merseyside, and Cheshire.
His sentence, handed down on Monday 4 October, pushes the gang’s total prison time to over 32 years.
High-Speed Heists Worth £2.6 Million
Rafiq led an organised crime group (OCG) that targeted top-end vehicles using a sneaky keyless entry method. The gang cloned wireless key signals, allowing them to unlock cars parked on driveways and drive off without breaking into homes to grab keys. The haul? Cars valued at a staggering £2.6 million.
The investigation kicked off in January 2020 after a surge in residential burglaries saw luxury motors ripped off, often recovered near Blackburn.
Gang Members Slammed with Heavy Sentences
- Lewis Tankard, 20, from Huyton – 5 years 7 months
- Neil O’Brien, 19, Knotty Ash – 6 years
- Noah Hassan, 29, no fixed address – 4 years 9 months
- Stephen Hooten, 29, Tuebrook – 5 years 2 months
- Sireen Rafiq (aka Shamilia Tabassum), 36, Blackburn – 21 months for handling criminal property
- Paula Heathers, 50, Stoneycroft – 14 months suspended + 115 hours unpaid work
- Susan Russell, 20, Stockbridge Village – 12 months suspended, 60 hours unpaid work, curfew
All pleaded guilty, and two more are due for sentencing later this year.
Detective: “Operation Castle Strikes a Blow to Burglars”
“Rafiq led a sophisticated and prolific gang, causing misery wherever they went,” said Detective Sergeant Darren Hankin of Operation Castle. “Since 2018, we’ve handed down more than 500 years behind bars to suspects. These convictions make our communities safer.”
“Burglary hits victims hard. It’s personal and invasive. We urge the public to report anything suspicious and help us catch these criminals.”
“Preventing burglaries is possible – lock your doors, set alarms, and consider CCTV or doorbell cameras. They deter criminals and help in investigations.”
For tips on protecting your home, visit Merseyside Police Crime Prevention. Follow #OpCastle and #BeatTheBurglar on social media for updates.
