7:50am Sunday 7th February 2010
CARAVAN thefts almost halved after members of a specialist gang, who were convicted last week, were first arrested in 2007.
The convictions follow arrests in Wiltshire, Nottinghamshire and Thames Valley area as part of an investigation, which started in 2005 spanning 19 different forces.
The trial, which began in Winchester Crown Court in November and ended last Tuesday, saw them all charged in connection with three counts – conspiracy to steal 2005, conspiracy to steal 2007 and conspiracy to money launder.
Charlie Ward, aged 27, Martin Ward aged 20, John McDonagh aged 31, and Martin McDonagh aged 29, all of Chiseldon Firs, were convicted for their involvement. They were remanded in custody for sentencing on 3 March.
Detective Inspector Matt Davey of Wiltshire Constabulary said: “This has been a long and complex investigation into crimes committed nationwide which have had a serious and prolonged affect on victim’s lives.
“The court has heard how this wasn’t simply the thefts of caravans but also the theft of people’s personal and often irreplaceable possessions.”
Close to £1 million of property including vehicles, cash, jewellery, china and crystal were recovered as part of the investigation.
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