Organised crime gang sentenced for stealing more than £2m worth of vehicles
The gang stole 107 vehicles across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire between February and October 2023
Last updated 21st Nov 2025
Twelve members of an organised crime gang have been sentenced after stealing more than £2 million worth of vehicles.
The gang stole 107 vehicles, mostly high-end cars, across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire between February and October 2023.
Most of the vehicles were taken during the night from driveways while their owners were asleep.
The cars were then taken to a ‘chop shop’ where they were stripped for parts.
The group used advanced techniques, including signal boosters, to unlock and then steal keyless ignition vehicles.
George Berry, 32 and Benjamin Cross, 25, who were said to have played "leading roles in the conspiracy" were both jailed after being sentenced at Southampton Crown Court in October.
Today at Southampton Crown Court (November 21) seven members were sentenced:
- Frank Bran, 23, of International Way, Southampton. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to handle stolen goods. He was handed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
- Brandon Cross, 26, of Bursledon Road in Southampton. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. He was handed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
- Jason Downs, 21, of Walton Place in Winchester. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to handle stolen goods. He was handed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
- Gary Kelly, 38, of Ringwood Road in Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset. Charged with conspiracy to handle stolen goods. He was handed a sentence of 16 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
- William Martin, 24, of Corfe Lodge Road in Broadstone, Dorset. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to handle stolen goods. He was handed a sentence of eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
- Billy Masters, 24, of Bramley Crescent in Southampton. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods and possession of criminal property. He was handed a sentence of eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
- Matthew Watkins, 24, of Manor Road in Ringwood. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and dangerous driving. He was handed a sentence of 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
Previously at the same court on 9 October, five members including George Berry and Benjamin Cross were sentenced:
- George Berry, 32, of Bronte Way in Southampton. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, and possession of criminal property. He was handed a sentence of 56 months imprisonment.
- Benjamin Cross, 25, of Newman Road in Bursledon, Southampton. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, conspiracy to handle stolen goods, possession of criminal property and perverting the course of justice. He was handed a sentence of 64 months imprisonment.
- Rachael Moran, 31, of Bronte Way in Southampton. Charged with possession of criminal property. She was handed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months..
- Bradley Paddick, 22, of Montague Avenue in Southampton. Charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to handle stolen goods. He was handed a sentence of 36 months imprisonment.
- Charlotte Traves, 24, of Newman Road in Bursledon, Southampton. Charged with possession of criminal property and perverting the course of justice. She was handed a sentence of 18 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months.
The organised crime group’s operation was described in court as 'highly sophisticated.'
The investigation revealed the gang used signal boosters to trick vehicles into unlocking and signal jammers to prevent owners from locking their cars before the gang returned to steal them.
The judge called the thefts "alarming" and "frightening" for owners of high value cars and commended the police for a "remarkable and thorough investigation."
Speaking after the sentencing, DC Paul Beasley of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit said:
“The vast majority of the vehicles were stolen by these thugs in the middle of the night from driveways as the owners slept.
“The financial hurt caused by this group to so many families is vast, and many of the victims of these thefts have also suffered mental harm from the distress.
“For many people, having their car stolen can completely disrupt their day to day lives as these are relied upon so much for their work commutes, school runs, grocery shopping and social lives.
“Our investigation has been extremely thorough. Seven different police forces were involved in some capacity, and my team alone put in more than 12,000 hours to make sure this group was brought to justice.
“I’m proud to say that our efforts have completely dismantled this organised crime group and I hope this serves as a warning to those who think they can just take what other people have worked hard to earn.”