Brothers jailed for burglary sprees targeting homes across Lancashire
The siblings admitted involvement in burglaries across multiple towns in Lancashire
Two brothers have been jailed for their roles in a series of planned burglaries targeting homes across Lancashire between 2021 and 2024.
Brian Mooney, 43, of London Terrace, Darwen, and Michael Mooney, 42, of Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn, admitted to two offences of conspiracy to commit dwelling house burglaries during two crime sprees. The first took place between 2021 and early 2022, and the second between late 2022 and February 2024.
During the earlier spree, homes belonging to people working in food takeaway businesses were targeted, with 12 properties burgled in areas including Darwen, Burnley, Earby, Nelson, Colne, Clayton-le-Moors, Preston, and Huddersfield in West Yorkshire. Brian Mooney was involved in all 12 burglaries, while Michael Mooney joined in March 2022, taking part in two of the break-ins.
The second spree involved 21 homes being burgled and two attempted break-ins across towns such as Accrington, Haslingden, Great Harwood, Burnley, and Clitheroe. Entry to properties was gained by smashing glass in patio doors or rear conservatory doors, often when the victims were not at home.
Further charges of conspiracy to steal large quantities of goods from a Booths store in Burscough on four occasions were admitted by both men. Michael Mooney also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal at Booths in Poulton-le-Fylde and Homebase in Clitheroe.
Following an investigation by Lancashire Police, the brothers were arrested on 11th March 2025. Appearing in Preston Crown Court on 7th November, Brian Mooney was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Michael Mooney was handed an eight-year sentence.
Detective Sergeant Fergus Bailey from the East CID Burglary Team said: “House burglaries cause misery for the victims, a break-in can make them feel unsafe and vulnerable in their own home.
“If there is a burglary at a house on a street, that can cause anxiety to neighbours and other people in the area who think that their home could be at risk of being burgled.
“Brian Mooney and Michael Mooney were involved in these two burglary sprees which saw a number of houses targeted in Lancashire.
“There was a degree of planning in the first group of burglaries in which efforts were made to see where victims worked and then burgle their homes when they were out at work.
“This was despicable behaviour, and I welcome the lengthy sentences passed on them by the judge at Crown Court.
“Lancashire Police take all reports of burglary seriously and will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”
The operation formed part of Operation Defender, a campaign by Lancashire Police to combat residential burglary with the support of Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.