Seven jailed as rural crime gang smashed

Seven men have been jailed for a combined total of more than 25 years after a cross-border police operation smashed a crime gang that is believed to have stolen goods worth up to £10 million from rural thefts.

Dyfed-Powys Police supported a West Mercia Police operation to stop the gang who were responsible for over 150 thefts in Montgomeryshire and Shropshire from August 2022 to February 2024, including many in the Welshpool area.

In July 2023, the investigation was launched after a rise in rural thefts on both sides of the border. Officers soon discovered that farms were the main target, with agricultural equipment such as tractors, gators, quad bikes and 4x4 pick-ups being targeted and stolen.

The thefts were carried out in rural locations and often under the cover of darkness, meaning officers relied on CCTV, forensics and phone work to identify the suspects. Their investigation led to identifying seven men linked to the thefts.

Chief Inspector Matthew Price of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “This was a great piece of joint investigative work carried out by two forces into an organised crime group who thought they could target rural areas to commit numerous offences.

“While a number of teams were involved in the investigation, I would like to highlight the work of our Crime Scene Investigation team whose work was instrumental in identifying the gang’s ring-leader, and the 17 Dyfed-Powys officers who travelled across the border to support West Mercia in arresting the offenders.

“This investigation highlights the importance of neighbouring police forces working together to tackle cross-border crime, and that collaboration and partnerships result in the best outcomes for our communities.”

On Monday, the seven were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court after pleading guilty at a previous hearing.

The men are:

- Andrew Baker, aged 36, of Lovell Close in Shifnal, Shropshire, sentenced to four years and five months

- Christopher Downes, aged 35, of Park View in Broseley, Shropshire, sentenced to seven months

- Thomas Nutt, aged 27, of Bridgnorth Road in Broseley, Shropshire, sentenced to four years and five months

- Wayne Price, aged 32, of Cross Houses in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, sentenced to nine years

- Dean Rogerson, aged 34, of Homelands Park in Ketley Bank, Telford, Shropshire, sentenced to three years and one-month

- Neil Shevlin, aged 32, of Four Winds in Norton, Shifnal, Shropshire, sentenced to one-year and two months

- Ryan Taylor, aged 32, of Hayward Parade in Telford, Shropshire, sentenced to two years and six months