West Midlands burglary gang jailed for almost 50 years
Targeting homes across Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall between November last year and January
Last updated 12th Sep 2023
A gang which plundered more than 50 homes to steal around £300,000 of jewellery and cash have today been jailed.
The burglars struck mainly across Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall between November last year and January.
The masked gang would target addresses and force their way inside. On most occasions they would target properties when no-one was present, but there were times when victims were confronted with thieves in their homes.
Officers reviewed hours upon hours of CCTV, examined forensic opportunities and also phone records. They were able to identify two vehicles - firstly an Audi RS3 and then a VW Golf - which were on false plates and used to flee the scenes.
They identified Jason MacDonaugh as being the buyer and seller of the Audi. They then also connected his associates to the crimes which also saw them strike near Bristol and Warwickshire.
They tracked MacDonaugh, aged 32, Darren O'Halloran, 38, and Barney Casey, 22, to Yorkshire where they were arrested in early February. Following further enquiries we detained Daniel Harty, 32, in Wales later in the month.
The four, of no fixed address but originally from Ireland, were convicted of conspiracy to burgle following a trial. They were today (11 September) sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court to almost 50 years imprisonment.
Sergeant James Birtles, from our investigation team which led the enquiries, said: "These four burglars have quite rightly lost their freedom for a long time.
"Their crime spree saw them target more than 50 homes across the West Midlands in just a few months.
"But following extensive enquiries, including working with the An Garda Síochána and other police forces, we managed to identify and link them to the series of break-ins.
"I'm convinced if we hadn't have caught them, they would have continued to carry out more burglaries, in the region and beyond.
"We fully understand the devastating impact burglary can have on those affected whether in their home or business environment and we'll always look to identify and prosecute offenders."