25 years behind bars for prolific rural crime gang

Seven members of an organised crime gang believed to be responsible for thefts of agricultural machinery worth up to £10m have been jailed for a total of more than 25 years by Shrewsbury Crown Court.

The sentences follow an investigation by Shropshire’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Team, following a string of rural burglaries in Shropshire and North Wales in July 2023.

See also: Rise in violent hare coursing incidents seen in South Wales

Officers soon discovered farms were the main target, with agricultural equipment such as tractors, gators, quad bikes and 4×4 pickups being stolen.

Using evidence collected from CCTV, forensics and phone work, the team were able to link the thefts to seven men they believed were involved.

Officers also uncovered that the same men were responsible for a number of thefts in Montgomeryshire, linked to an investigation being carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Together, the two forces collated evidence relating to more than 150 offences spanning from August 2022 through to February 2024.

Arrests were carried out in March 2024 at addresses in Broseley, Cross Houses and Telford, by West Mercia Police along with officers from Dyfed-Powys Police.

The seven men arrested were then charged with conspiracy to steal.

It is estimated the organised crime group was responsible for agricultural equipment thefts worth between £5m and £10m.

Sentenced

On Monday (15 September) they were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court to a total of 25 years and five months after pleading guilty at a previous hearing.

The men are:

Andrew Baker, 36, of Lovell Close in Shifnal, Shropshire – four years and five months

Christopher Downes, 35, of Park View in Broseley, Shropshire – seven months

Thomas Nutt, 27, of Bridgnorth Road in Broseley, Shropshire – four years and five months

Wayne Price, 32, of Cross Houses in Shrewsbury, Shropshire – nine years

Dean Rogerson, 34, of Homelands Park in Ketley Bank, Telford – three years and one month

Neil Shevlin, 32, of Four Winds in Norton, Shifnal, Shropshire – one year and two months

Ryan Taylor, 32, of Hayward Parade in Telford – two years and six months

© West Mercia Police

Detective sergeant Ben Docherty, from Shropshire’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Team, said: “We are pleased with the sentences given to these men, as this type of crime has a huge impact on our rural communities.

“We hope this sends a strong message that we take rural crime incredibly seriously and will investigate and do everything to ensure offenders are put before the courts.”

DS Docherty praised the local communities for reporting the crimes, and encouraged farmers to sign up to local Rural Watch and Neighbourhood Matters schemes.