Thieves Busted After Selling Stolen Bikes on Shpock
Three men have been jailed for a total of 68 months after a daring spree of garden shed and garage burglaries targeting bicycles. Ian Smail (26), David Neal (24), and Jordan Barnett (24) were arrested in August following a police probe into selling stolen goods online.
Crime Spree Exposed Through Online Sales
The trio used the popular selling app Shpock to flog stolen bikes and other items. The offences took place between March and July 2020 across Banstead, Worcester Park, and Epsom. Police launched an investigation after a victim spotted his stolen bike being sold on eBay. Tracing the seller led officers to London and then to the three men in Sutton and Thornton Heath.
Phones, Messages and a Web of Evidence
Mobile phone data showed constant contact between the men during the burglary dates. Officers found stolen goods in their possession, and photos on Shpock matched items recovered from Jordan Barnett’s address. Buyers were often directed there to collect their bargains.
Jail Time for the Burglars
- Ian Smail: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle, theft, conspiracy to possess criminal property, and cannabis possession. Sentenced to 23 months.
- David Neal: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle, theft, conspiracy to possess criminal property, and residential burglary. Sentenced to 27 months.
- Jordan Barnett: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle and possession of criminal property. Sentenced to 18 months.
“Thanks to an observant victim, we recovered stolen property and cracked this gang,” said investigating officer DC Todd McPhail. “They sold stolen items within hours at knockdown prices using apps like Shpock. Buyers beware—if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
“Mark your valuables with a UV pen or register them on sites like BikeRegister. It helps police return stolen goods to their rightful owners.”
