A “sophisticated” gang of thieves who used stolen 4x4s in a spate of “loud and aggressive” ram-raids across southern England have been jailed.
William Connors, 29, Darren Easthaugh, 36, Anthony Rodwell, 33, and Sebastian Gnyp, 37, struck jewellers across London and the home counties, reversing Land Rovers and Range Rovers through the front doors, storming the premises with sledgehammers and angle grinders, and sometimes dragging out safes with metal chains attached to their vehicles.
The group, seen dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, stole £1.2 million of goods and caused a further £1.8 million of damage in a 10-month spree between November 2021 and August 2022.
READ MORE - JAILED: 'Aggressive' ram-raiders who stole £1.2m but were caught by police in Reading
The serial robbers evaded capture until police swarmed on them during a final raid on an Esso Tesco Express in Caversham, Reading, on August 19 2022, after a six-month surveillance operation.
Videos show the ram raid before the gang escaped from the scene.
WATCH as video catches gang stealing £1.2m of goods in ‘ aggressive’ ram-raids
— Megan O’Neill (@ONeillMegan_) June 29, 2023
Credit: PA and Metropolitan Police @rdgchronicle pic.twitter.com/RqCxy7XapI
Part 2 - Gang caught fleeing the scene
— Megan O’Neill (@ONeillMegan_) June 29, 2023
Credit: PA and Metropolitan Police @rdgchronicle pic.twitter.com/919T6iodfn
Prosecutor Tim Probert-Wood told the court the “devastation” wrought by the gang was “long-lasting”, causing “shock” to witnesses and business owners, who suffered an estimated £1.5 million in loss of earnings due to closures.
Mr Probert-Wood said it was "a very violent attack, it all happens very quickly".
Part 3 - Gang seen fleeing the scene by foot and car
— Megan O’Neill (@ONeillMegan_) June 29, 2023
Credit: PA and Metropolitan Police @rdgchronicle pic.twitter.com/Nvo1GfrM3t
Part 4 - Gangs caught stealing from store
— Megan O’Neill (@ONeillMegan_) June 29, 2023
Credit: PA and Metropolitan Police @rdgchronicle pic.twitter.com/n6uMhdgcGi
He said the group had caused “enormous destruction”, causing businesses to close and staff to be laid off.
The judge sentenced them for a total of 53 offences, including burglary and theft.
Easthaugh and Connors received a prison term of six years and six months, while Rodwell was given five years and 10 months, and Gnyp was jailed for three years.
Part 5 - CCTV catches gangs in 'loud and aggressive' ram raids
— Megan O’Neill (@ONeillMegan_) June 29, 2023
Credit: PA and Metropolitan Police @rdgchronicle pic.twitter.com/xXkXBVtSdo
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