Gang targeted Shropshire to steal 'high-performance' BMWs and Audis from driveways while owners slept

Four men involved in the operation to steal the vehicles were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

Danny Smith Prosecuting told how properties in Telford, Shrewsbury, and Shifnal were targeted in September 2023, with balaclava-clad gang members breaking into homes to steal keys for high performance cars parked outside.

Sentencing, Judge Richard McConaghy, said he was in no doubt the properties were targeted in a planned operation.

Mr Smith told the court: "These were not conventional burglaries where they were looking for TVs, audio equipment or jewellery.

"The houses were targeted solely for the purpose of getting the keys to high value cars parked on the driveways."

He said the thefts were 'planned' with the gang travelling together to the locations in cars, having carried out previous reconnaissance.

Robert Loveland, 19, of no fixed abode, Timothy Maddox, 66, formerly of Trittiford Road, Birmingham, and Harley Jarvis, 19, of Rough Road, Birmingham, all admitted charges of conspiracy to steal.

Mohammed Khan, 21, of no fixed abode pleaded guilty to one charge of handling stolen goods.

Loveland also admitted charges of handling stolen goods, going equipped for burglary, and attempted burglary.

Maddox also pleaded guilty to purchasing a weapon for electrical incapacitation, while Jarvis admitted a separate charge of participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

Mr Smith detailed a series of incidents in September 2023, including one where an Audi RS 4 Quattro was taken from the driveway of a property at Spring Hill in Shifnal.