Burglars who used Rightmove to plan raids jailed
Burglars Who Used Rightmove to Plan Raids Jailed
A group of four individuals, part of an organized crime network, has been sentenced after using online platforms like Rightmove and Google to coordinate high-value burglaries across the UK. The men, all from Albania, targeted affluent households, stealing over £1 million in luxury items such as designer watches, handbags, and gold. Their meticulous planning included setting weekly goals for gold theft, which they accomplished by breaking into homes through the first floor and bypassing alarm systems.
Coordinated Break-Ins Across Multiple Regions
The gang was linked to 44 burglaries, with incidents recorded in Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and other areas. Cheshire Police revealed the thieves often climbed ladders to enter properties, allowing them to avoid triggering alarms that only covered ground-level areas. Inside, they ransacked homes, tearing bed sheets to create temporary bags for stolen goods. One video captured the group dismantling an entire safe from a residence.
“Each member played a role in executing the crimes, while their partner managed the proceeds,” stated Det Sgt Laura Fox of Cheshire Police. “The gang specifically targeted wealthy victims, aiming to maximize their loot. They even established weekly targets for gold theft.”
Kristian Gropcaj, George Pepa, and Krisjian Dedndreaj, all from the West Midlands, along with Sidorjan Lleshi from Sheffield, admitted guilt at Chester Crown Court. Their sentences ranged from nine years to 10 years and nine months. Endrit Nikolli, the group’s fifth member, will receive his sentence later. Jade Tubb, Nikolli’s partner, was convicted of conspiracy to possess criminal property and received a 12-month suspended sentence, along with 200 hours of community service.
Details of the burglaries included eight in Cheshire, two in Middlesbrough, nine in Derbyshire, and others spread across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Warwickshire. The group’s strategy involved using Google to identify rich postcodes and Rightmove to study property layouts, enabling them to execute thefts with precision. Their actions highlight how technology aids criminal operations, even in affluent areas.
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