A Wrexham gang who targeted local families for sentimental gold jewellery have today been jailed for a combined total of more than 14 years.
Over a three-month period from September last year, members of the gang smashed their way into the homes of six Asian families, ransacking each one and entering their lofts looking for family gold.
They attempted to cover their tracks by committing the offences using a car they bought for the conspiracy and using cleaning products at some of the houses. They even stole the gloves they used to commit the burglaries.
Following each burglary, members of the gang visited a bullion dealer in Birmingham to exchange the stolen assets for cash.
Operation Guard, an investigation led by North Wales Police, and supported by other forces, saw the arrests of four of five of the gang members in Wrexham in November following their final journey from the Birmingham bullion dealer.
The final gang member was located in Southport the following month.
All five men who appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing (Tuesday, April 30th) included:
Kew Delaney, 34, of Wrexham Caravan Site, Ruthin Road, Coedpoeth, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
Addie Piggott, 29, of Wrexham Caravan Site, Ruthin Road, Coedpoeth, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.
Todd Wickens, 35, of Berrylands, Homestead Lane, Wrexham, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and sentenced to four years in prison.
Michael Berry, 24, of Berrylands, Homestead Lane, Wrexham, was charged with handling stolen goods and sentenced to two years and months in prison.
Tom Cash, 26, of Southsea Stables, Southsea, Wrexham, was charged with handling stolen goods and sentenced to 12months, suspended for 18 months, and 150 hours of unpaid work.
The conspiracy began in September last year when Delaney, Wickens, Piggott and Berry bought a red Vauxhall Vectra Estate, used to commit the burglaries.
The first incident was reported the same day on September 28th after masked members of the gang attempted a burglary at a pub in Shropshire. They were chased off the premises, leaving behind a bottle of Flash cleaning product.
The following day, two burglaries were reported in Wrexham.
At around 8pm, some of the gang broke into a house on Croesnewydd Road, stealing family jewellery including necklaces, earrings, wedding rings and bangles.
Around an hour later, they targeted another house on Bennion Road, stealing a wedding ring and £3,000 cash.
On September 30th, following both burglaries, Delaney and Berry made a trip to Birmingham, with CCTV footage showing them briefly visiting a bullion dealer.
The following month, West Mercia Police executed a warrant at the premises, seizing all documents relating to the sale of jewellery.
On October 2nd another burglary at a house on Lilac Way in Wrexham was reported, with more than £3,000 in cash and thousands of pounds of gold jewellery stolen.
The next day, Delaney made another brief visit to the Birmingham bullion dealer, this time with Wickens and Piggott.
Later the same evening, another two burglaries were reported on Brunswick Court and Bath Road, where more gold was stollen.
Their red Vauxhall Vectra was seen in the area of both burglaries, before it was dumped the following day in Rhosllanerchrugog.
On November 7th, more gold and cash were stolen from a house in Moss Valley.
The following day, Delaney made the final trip to the Birmingham bullion dealer with Wickens, Delaney, Piggott and Cash, before their arrests on their return to Wrexham.
Michael Berry was located in Stockport the following month.
Detective Inspector Christopher Owen who led the investigation, said: “These burglars targeted innocent families across our county, stealing sentimental family jewellery for their own financial gain.
“They travelled across the country to sell stolen jewellery in an attempt to frustrate investigators.
“They now face a total of more than 14 years behind bars.
“I do not underestimate the impact that intrusive crimes of this nature have on their victims, and I sincerely hope that this sentencing helps those affected begin to move forward with their lives.
“I must commend the efforts of all those involved in this comprehensive, complex investigation in securing today’s result. The outcome is testament to our collaborative one-team approach, working closely with neighbouring forces and partner agencies to target those causing harm to our communities.
“I hope that today’s result sends a clear message that burglary will never be tolerated by North Wales Police, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”
