Seven men sentenced to combined 25+ years for agricultural thefts est. between £5-10m in Shropshire

Описание: Seven men have today (Monday 15 September) been sentenced to a combined total of more than 25 years for their part in thefts targeting rural businesses across Shropshire and the north of Wales.
In July 2023 an investigation after a rise in rural thefts across the county. Officers soon discovered farms in south Shropshire 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.
Officers uncovered that the men were also responsible for burglaries in Montgomeryshire which were being investigated by Dyfed-Powys Police.
Working together, the two forces began to collate and collect evidence relating to over 150 offences spanning from August 2022 to February 2024.
On Thursday 20 March 2024, West Mercia Police along with officers from Dyfed-Powys Police carried out a series of warrants at addresses in Broseley, Cross Houses and Telford, where seven men were arrested.
All seven men were then charged with conspiracy to steal from another.
It’s estimated, during their crime spree, the organised crime gang stole agricultural equipment worth between £5million and £10million.
Today (Monday 15 September) they 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