FOUR men have been jailed after stealing millions of pounds-worth of high-end vehicles and using them in ram-raids at shops across the south of England – including in Dorset.

The group, all from the London and Surrey areas, were arrested after a probe by the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad after a series of night-time burglaries.

In many of the offences, the suspects used stolen high-end vehicles, mainly Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) such as Range Rovers and Land Rovers, to ram-raid commercial premises, often ripping out cash machines or stealing jewellery or cash boxes before driving off.

Number plates were also stolen and placed on the vehicles to help the group avoid police detection.

The quartet pleaded guilty to being involved in a combined total of 14 burglaries and 33 thefts, as well as three attempted burglaries and an attempted theft.

The offences were committed between November 14, 2021, and August 19, 2022, in north and west London, Dorset, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

The men used a variety of technical means to steal vehicles without keys and defeat vehicle tracking equipment.

Three of the four men were arrested by Met officers after a proactive operation caught them stealing cash boxes from an Esso petrol station and Tesco Express outlet in Buckingham Drive, Reading.

In the early hours of August 19, the group used a Range Rover, stolen in the Reading area to ram into the shop and gain access. A stolen Alpha Romeo was also stopped at the scene.

The three men arrested were found to be in possession of stolen cashboxes and various tools and weapons. They were:

• William Connors, 29, of Exmouth Road, Hayes
• Darren Eastaugh, 36, of Bedfont Close, Feltham
• Anthony Rodwell, 33, of Laurel Gardens, Ashford, Surrey

William Bill Connors. Picture: Met Police

After analysis of CCTV and phone data, among other elements, Met detectives built a strong file of evidence linking the men to the crimes.

A fourth man – Sebastian Gnyp, 37, of Allenby Road, Ealing – was arrested on September 23, 2022. Following his arrest, Gynp’s room was searched and a device that is used to block trackers in stolen cars was recovered.

Sebastian Patryk Gnyp. Picture: Met Police

The estimated value of the thefts was more than £1.2 million and the damage caused to vehicles and property estimated at £1.8 million.

The loss of earnings to the business owners forced to shut for repairs totalled almost £1.5 million.

At Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday (June 29), both Connors and Eastaugh were jailed for six years and six months, while Rodwell was jailed for five years and 10 months while Gynp was jailed for three years.

Anthony Dylan Rodwell. Picture: Met Police

Detective Constable Pippa Bregazzi, from the Met’s Flying Squad, said: “Footage of the burglaries demonstrates the ruthlessness in which the men used the cars as battering rams to access shops tills and cash machines.

“They had absolutely no thought for the victims of their crimes and it was clear they would have continued to target vehicle owners and shops across the south of England unless they were stopped.

“I am glad they have now been brought to justice and will spend a lengthy time in jail.”

Darren Eastaugh. Picture: Met Police

Detective Inspector Ari Yoganathan, Senior Investigating Officer from the Flying Squad, added: “This was an outstanding investigation by a team of detectives determined to arrest and bring to justice a group of men who had caused misery to vehicle and business owners across London and the Home Counties.

“Thankfully no members of the public were injured during any of these offences, but millions of pounds worth of damage and lost earnings were caused by this crime spree.

“Our officers collaborated with colleagues from other police forces and were supported by our partners in the vehicle industry to disrupt this dangerous and disruptive Organised Crime Group.”