A group of individuals have been found guilty of looting over 50 homes and taking around £300,000 worth of jewelry and cash through a string of burglaries across the West Midlands. The thieves focused on numerous homes in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull, and Walsall from November of last year to January of this year.
Working with our counterparts in Ireland, we successfully identified the four men involved in a crime-spree. The gang would wear masks and ensure that no one was present at the targeted addresses before breaking in to steal valuable items such as jewelry and money.
We dedicated hours to analyzing CCTV footage, examining forensic evidence, and studying phone records. Through our investigation, we were able to uncover two vehicles – an Audi RS3 and a VW Golf – that were used by the perpetrators to flee the crime scenes. The vehicles had false plates, which made it more difficult to trace their movements.
After conducting extensive investigations, we were able to identify Jason MacDonaugh as the buyer and seller of the Audi and connect him with his associates involved in the crimes. The suspects, aged 32, 38, and 22, were tracked down in Yorkshire and arrested in early February. Further investigations led to the detention of a fourth suspect, Daniel Harty, aged 32, in Wales later that month.
All four individuals, originally from Ireland and of no fixed address, were convicted of conspiracy to burgle after a four-and-a-half week trial. They will remain in custody until their sentencing on September 11. Sergeant James Birtles, who led the investigation, stated that this gang had been relentless in their pursuit of jewelry and cash that could be sold for profit.
Despite their attempts to conceal their actions, we were able to conduct thorough investigations and collaborate with An Garda Síochána to establish their involvement in over 50 burglaries in the area.
We understand how devastating it can be to experience a burglary, with the violation of one’s home and the loss of cherished possessions and hard-earned funds. Without intervention, we believe they would have continued to offend repeatedly. As a result, they are now facing substantial prison sentences as punishment for their actions.
