Members of a professional car theft gang who stole vehicles worth more than £2 million have been jailed, following what a judge described as a “remarkable and thorough” police investigation. The gang targeted 107 vehicles—mostly high-end cars—across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire between February and October 2023, striking in the dead of night while owners slept, unaware their prized cars were disappearing from their driveways.
Once stolen, the vehicles were whisked away to a so-called ‘chop shop’ to be stripped for parts and sold on. The sophisticated operation relied on technology to defeat modern security systems. Using signal boosters, the thieves could trick keyless ignition vehicles into unlocking, as if the key fob were right next to the car. They also deployed signal jammers to prevent vehicles from locking in the first place, allowing them to return under cover of darkness and simply drive the cars away.
On Thursday 9th October, five members of the gang faced sentencing at Southampton Crown Court. George Berry, aged 32, of Bronte Way in Southampton, was found guilty of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, and possession of criminal property, and received a sentence of 56 months in prison. Benjamin Cross, 25, of Newman Road, Bursledon, Southampton, was convicted of the same offences, along with perverting the course of justice. He was handed the longest sentence: 64 months imprisonment. Rachael Moran, 31, of Bronte Way, Southampton, was convicted of possession of criminal property and received a 12-month sentence, suspended for 18 months. Bradley Paddick, 22, of Montague Avenue, Southampton, was jailed for 36 months for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to handle stolen goods. Meanwhile, Charlotte Traves, 24, of Newman Road, Bursledon, was convicted of possession of criminal property and perverting the course of justice, her 18-month sentence suspended for 18 months.
The court heard that George Berry and Benjamin Cross were the ringleaders of what was described as a “highly sophisticated commercial operation.” The judge said the thefts were “alarming and frightening” for any owner of a high-value car, but praised police for their diligent investigation, which involved seven different police forces and more than 12,000 hours of detective work.
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Paul Beasley of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said the gang’s crimes had caused enormous financial and emotional harm. “The vast majority of the vehicles were stolen by these thugs in the middle of the night from driveways as the owners slept,” he said. “The financial hurt caused by this group to so many families is vast, and many of the victims of these thefts have also suffered mental harm from the distress. For many people, having their car stolen can completely disrupt their day to day lives as these are relied upon so much for their work commutes, school runs, grocery shopping and social lives.”
Beasley added that the investigation, which drew on resources from across the south of England, had “completely dismantled this organised crime group,” and hoped it would serve as a warning to others. “Our efforts have completely dismantled this organised crime group and I hope this serves as a warning to those who think they can just take what other people have worked hard to earn,” he said.
The case is not over yet. A further seven alleged members of the group are due to be sentenced at Southampton Crown Court on 21 November, as the police continue to tackle the region’s organised car crime networks.
