Four men jailed for £300k burglary conspiracy across rural East Lancashire
The men have been jailed for a combined total of nearly 18 years
Four men who carried out a string of burglaries across rural East Lancashire have been jailed for a combined total of nearly 18 years.
Oliver McNeil; Christopher Fleming; Dillon Irwin; and Liam Barnes all admitted conspiracy to commit burglary.
The charges related to 19 burglaries between June and September 2023, where the total value of stolen goods and damage caused was estimated at between £200,000 and £300,000.
Targets included farm buildings, building sites and commercial premises, with the gang stealing quad bikes, power tools and diesel.
Following an investigation by Lancashire Police’s Ribble Valley Rural Task Force, all four were arrested in September 2024 and later charged.
At Preston Crown Court on Tuesday 19 August 2025, McNeil was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment, Irwin to five years and six months, Barnes to three years and six months, and Fleming to two years and nine months.
Prosecutor Craig McGregor told the court: “The four defendants are an organised criminal gang conspiring to commit burglary across rural East Lancashire.
"The investigation and preparation of this case shows the renewed vigour of Lancashire Police and their commitment to serving rural residents and businesses.”
Sgt Kev Day, from the Ribble Valley Rural Task Force, said the case demonstrated the force’s commitment to protecting rural communities: “These men have been responsible for a significant number of offences across East Lancashire, impacting on our rural residents.
"I know the concern that burglary offences cause in our communities, and I hope the victims and wider public are reassured that these men are now behind bars.”