Burglars who used Rightmove to plan raids jailed
Burglars who used Rightmove to plan raids jailed
A group of four thieves, part of an organized crime ring, has been sentenced after targeting affluent households across the UK using tools like Rightmove and Google. The gang, hailing from the West Midlands and Sheffield, collectively stole over £1 million in luxury items, including designer watches, handbags, and gold. Their meticulous planning involved setting weekly goals for gold theft, showcasing a strategic approach to maximize their gains.
Kristian Gropcaj, George Pepa, and Krisjian Dedndreaj, all aged 31 and 29 respectively, admitted to the crimes at Chester Crown Court. They received sentences ranging from nine years to 10 years and nine months. Sidorjan Lleshi, 27, was also part of the group but will face sentencing at a later date. Jade Tubb, the partner of Endrit Nikolli, 27, confessed to conspiracy to possess criminal property and received a 12-month suspended sentence, along with 200 hours of community service.
Targeting Wealthy Homes
The gang, originally from Albania, was tied to 44 burglaries in multiple regions. These included eight in Cheshire, two in Middlesbrough, nine in Derbyshire, and others in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Hereford, and Shropshire. The court revealed their method involved using Google to locate wealthy areas and Rightmove to study property layouts, allowing them to plan efficient heists.
“The gang were members of a high-level organized crime group responsible for at least 59 high-value burglaries across the UK,” said Det Sgt Laura Fox from Cheshire Police. “They specifically targeted affluent victims, aiming to extract maximum value from each raid. The group even established weekly targets for gold acquisition.”
Cheshire Police uncovered that the burglars often entered homes via the first floor, utilizing ladders to bypass alarm systems that only covered ground-level areas. This tactic enabled them to search properties thoroughly, tearing sheets from beds to create makeshift containers for stolen goods. In one instance, CCTV footage captured them removing an entire safe from a residence.
Nikolli, Gropcaj, Dedndreaj, Pepa, and Lleshi were all active in executing the break-ins, while Tubb played a role in managing the proceeds. The sentences highlight the severity of their crimes, underscoring the scale of their operation and the coordinated effort behind it. For more updates, visit BBC’s Cheshire coverage, watch BBC North West Tonight on iPlayer, and follow BBC North West on X. Share your story ideas via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230.