A teenage burglar from Letchworth was jailed yesterday along with three others after the group admitted stealing vehicles and jewellery from 14 homes across the south of England.
The ‘organised and prolific’ gang stole seven vehicles in total, worth between £20,000 and £40,000, after taking the keys during the break-ins. They also swiped jewellery from the homes.
The group – including Michael Doran, 18, of Common View in Letchworth – were initially charged with five burglaries in Cambridgeshire between October 2015 and January this year, but a further investigation revealed additional offences in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Middlesex.
Felix Rooney, 24, of Apen Green, Huntingdon, Lawrence Rooney, 23, of HMP Peterborough, and a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, were also charged with conspiracy to commit dwelling burglaries in the case which saw numerous victims see justice for the crimes committed against them.
During the investigation DNA was found which linked the defendants to stolen vehicles and tools and data from mobile telephone masts revealed that the defendants had been in areas when the offences had been committed.
As a result of this evidence, all four pleaded guilty and were jailed yesterday at Peterborough Crown Court.
Felix Rooney received six years, Lawrence Rooney received three years and four months and Doran received three years and four months.
The juvenile had his sentencing deferred for four months due to his age and him having no previous convictions.
Det Con James Howard said: “This was a complex investigation that came to light following an arrest by Hertfordshire police, who found evidence in the form of walkie talkies and cleaning fluid, which were hallmark factors in this conspiracy.
“The case involved offences in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Middlesex and the result would not have been possible had it of not been for the dedication and hard work of our colleagues in these forces.
“The length of sentences handed out by the court sends a clear message to offenders, that if you commit dwelling burglary and cause vulnerability, you will be punished.”
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