Jailed: Shropshire burglaries gang plotted to raid 120 homes

Premises were raided in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, North Wales and Staffordshire.

All four men were sentenced after being found guilty of one count of conspiracy to burgle 120 homes at Shrewsbury Crown Court today.

Prosecutors revealed the men, all from Lithuania, stole more than £300,000 in cash and expensive jewellery from homes they targeted over a three-month period last year.

Break-ins took place at properties in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Wem, Pant and Morda as well as North Wales, Cheshire, Hereford, Worcester, Derby and Rugby, the trial had earlier heard.

Today Gytis Dambaokas, 30, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.

Tomas Juospaitis, 31, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Grazvydas Kasarauskas, 34, of no fixed abode, in the UK, was sentenced to eleven years in prison.

Giedrius Batutis, 33, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to ten years in prison.

All four defendants had previously pleaded not guilty to the offences which took place between July and October last year.

The four were found to have conspired to target properties which had been left secure, but vacant, by home owners who were away on holiday or visiting friends or family.

They entered properties by force, often using a screwdriver to prise open locked doors and windows, to gain entry. They then searched the homes and were found to have made off with an estimated value of more than £200,000 worth of jewellery.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Chatting, who led the investigation, said thids afternoon: "These offences were undoubtedly concerning for the individuals targeted by this group of men, who gave no thought to the concern and distress they inflicted on their victims as they proceeded to ransack their homes.

"Thanks to the thorough and detailed investigation conducted by officers in Shrewsbury, West Mercia Police were able to link offences in Shropshire to offences across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, North Wales and Staffordshire. A further phase of the investigation then successfully identified the individuals responsible for more than 120 offences who were until this time unknown to UK police forces.

"We were able to build a clearer picture of the scale of the offences by working with colleagues in Central Motorway Police Group, regional road policing, our major investigation unit as well as neighbouring forces to build a case which has ultimately ensured these individuals are held accountable for their criminality. Our hard work was recognised by Judge James Tindal with particular praise given to DC Benjamin Docherty and DC Della Grice for their diligence and professionalism.

"We hope that this investigation and sentence will send a strong message to those individuals who are planning to travel and commit serious crime in Warwickshire or West Mercia policing areas and we will work tirelessly to ensure you are identified and brought to justice for your crimes."

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Judge, the alliance lead on burglary, advised all home owners to ensure they take the necessary steps in order to protect their properties.

He said: "I would urge all homeowners to engage with Safer Neighbourhood Team officers who can offer support and guidance on how best to protect your homes. Homes with no visible security or those which appear unattended or have access to the side or rear are often targeted by offenders.

"Taking simple steps such as leaving your lights on, investing in timer switches and external lighting can significantly reduce the risk of being targeted. If you are going away on holiday ask a friend or neighbour to give the impression that someone is home and help elderly neighbours keep their homes secure as they are often more vulnerable."