A BLACK COUNTRY gang who used a “decoder” device to steal cars and delivery vans was sentenced to a total of 30 years in prison.
The gang of five aimed at Ford vehicles and was able to take them away without a key by tampering with the software.
The stolen cars were then used on fake or cloned license plates to carry out a series of break-ins into business premises.
Over £ 416,000 worth of cars and property were stolen in the Black Country between June and October 2017.
Detectives from the West Midalnds Police High Claims Team have linked 23 vehicle thefts and 12 break-ins.
The gang have conspired to target vehicles, steal them, and use them in further crime. Many of the vehicles, license plates and stolen property were generally recovered near the gangs’ homes.
One man was found guilty after a June trial, the rest of the gang pleaded guilty and was convicted in Wolverhampton Crown Court last Wednesday (September 8th).
Anthony McDonagh, 34 years old, of Astoria Close, Willenhall, has been sentenced to nine years and two months in prison for conspiracy to steal automobiles and conspiracy to break and break.
Mitchell Baker, 25, of Dartmouth Avenue, Willenhall, was sentenced to seven years and seven months in prison for conspiracy to steal automobiles and conspiracy to break and break.
Liam Baker, 26, of Dartmouth Avenue in Willenhall, has been sentenced to seven years and one month in prison for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to break and break.
Ashley Poultney, 26, of Slater Street, Willenhall, has been sentenced to two years suspended prison sentence for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.
Sundeep Dyail, 26, of March End Road, Wednesfield, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for handling stolen property.
DC Steve Trotman of West Midlands Police’s CID said: “The excitement, misery and inconvenience your actions have caused to all those affected by your crimes are shocking.
“They went to great lengths to commit their crimes and probably thought they would get away with them.
“I hope that this result will give all those affected some consolation.
“We strive to actively pursue those who cause such damage in our communities.”
