Victims of an organised crime gang that stole more than £2 million worth of mainly keyless ignition vehicles have described the “devastation” of losing their cars and vans.
Thirteen people have been sentenced for their roles in an operation that saw 107 vehicles stolen across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire between February and October 2023. Most of the vehicles were taken from driveways overnight and transported to a so-called “chop shop” in Surrey, run by another organised crime gang, where they were stripped for parts.
Passing sentence at Southampton Crown Court, Judge Nigel Peters KC described the operation as a “sophisticated conspiracy.”
The gang used signal-boosting devices to trick keyless ignition systems, making it appear that the key fob was nearby, allowing vehicles to be unlocked. They also used signal jammers to prevent owners from locking their cars properly. Vehicles were then driven away in the middle of the night.
One victim, Simon, told the BBC he was “absolutely devastated” when his van was stolen from his Hampshire home in May 2023. He had only just finished paying it off after four years. “The alarm was on, the doors were locked. My heart sunk – I felt sick. It was unbelievable,” he said. The van, which he described as his “lifeline,” was later found dumped near Southampton with its wiring ripped out.
Lee, from West Sussex, discovered his van missing in March 2023. “I just felt sick. I had so much stuff in there. All my tools are in there – it had all been taken away from me. It didn’t seem real,” he said. With £10,000 worth of tools stolen, Lee lost his job designing and installing fitted kitchens, with further estimated losses of £30,000 in potential earnings. “If you can imagine you’ve lost your mode of transport, you’ve lost your job and someone’s taken 12 grand out of your account, all at the one go. It really does have a long-term impact on you as a person,” he added.
Other victim statements included a campervan containing sentimental items belonging to a deceased parent. The owner said it was “irreplaceable – a memory maker, not just a vehicle.”
Vehicles targeted included luxury models such as Porsches and Bentleys. Out of the 107 stolen, 61 were recovered, many damaged or stripped for parts, while 46 remained unaccounted for. Cyber security expert Jake Moore warned that crimes involving keyless vehicles could increase, noting, “Modern cars are effectively computers on wheels… they are impressively powerful, but we can communicate with them so they can be attacked with the right software and knowledge.” He added, “As the tech improves we have to be more aware of what criminals can do.”
To protect keyless vehicles, experts recommend using a Faraday pouch to block signals, keeping the car’s software updated, disabling keyless entry where possible, and being vigilant even when the car is parked away from home.
Leaders of the gang were jailed last month after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, and possession of criminal property. Eight others received sentences for their roles, including suspended prison terms. Judge Peters told some of the offenders that as drivers and lookouts, they were “part and parcel” of the conspiracy, adding: “If you put your toes in the water, there is a great risk you’ll get nicked.”
Among those jailed last month, Ben Cross received five years and four months, George Berry four years and eight months, and Bradley Paddick three years. Partners of Berry and Cross received suspended sentences for money laundering offences and, in one case, perverting the course of justice.
Detective Constable Paul Beasley described the impact on victims as “immense. The devastating effect it has had on victims is right up to people losing their livelihoods and businesses. Some people lost everything. They were using fairly sophisticated equipment. The level of skill and investment they put into it was right up there.”
