Simon Paggett (Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)The gang shared WhatsApp messages and voice notes, boasting that the cops had no evidence on them - saying 'we're not stupid'. Tha gang travelled by train for a three day crime spree in Cumbria (Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)Using a flatbed truck, the raiders struck in West Mercia, Leicestershire, Avon and Somerset, Bedfordshire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Staffordshire. Daniel Hickenbottom (Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)But a police officer spotted the gang's stolen Audi being transported on a low loader back to the Midlands. (Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)Oliver Matthews was the owner of Bloxwich Resprays, where the gang would store their stolen vehicles and use as a base. Craig Howell, 44, of oHatfield Drive, Wolverhampton, was jailed for 10 years for conspiracy to burgle, handle stolen goods and possess criminal property.

Source: The Times March 08, 2026 15:40 UTC