Crime spree across Surrey and south-east sees over £750k stolen in plant machinery and vehicles
Seven men have been sentenced, with more to be sentenced in March
Last updated 27th Jan 2026
Seven men have been sentenced for their involvement in the theft and sale of stolen plant machinery and vehicles worth over £750,000 across Surrey and the south-east.
The group operated primarily in Farnham, Guildford, Woking, and surrounding areas, stealing items such as one-tonne dumper trucks and mini diggers from building sites and yards during night hours. Many stolen items had their identities altered, with cloned Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and certificates obtained to make them appear legitimate before being sold on.
According to police, Paul Jones, 40, from Woking, acted as one of the ringleaders alongside Michael Burrows, 52, of Odiham. Messages showed Jones boasting about being 'the biggest machine ringing firm in the South of England' and highlighted the pair’s involvement in using proceeds to buy and refurbish a Guildford nightclub.
Jones was sentenced to seven years and two months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods, theft, and money laundering. Burrows received three years and four months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen goods.
Other members of the group received sentences ranging from suspended sentences to prison terms of up to four years. Among them, William Bath, 40, was sentenced to four years and three months for conspiracy to handle stolen goods and production of cannabis after a factory with 48 plants worth £35,000 was uncovered during his arrest.
Another defendant, Mark Grant, 36, was linked to the receipt of stolen machinery at his yard in Normandy where a cannabis factory was also discovered. Grant was sentenced to four years behind bars.
Three more defendants are due to be sentenced on Thursday, 5th March 2026.
Detective Constable Alex Boxall, who led the investigation, said the thefts had a devastating impact on small business owners and tradespeople, including self-employed builders and an 18-year-old who purchased stolen dumper trucks. One victim reported a financial loss of £70,000 that impacted his ability to retire.
Boxall added: "These sentences bring an end to an extremely lengthy and complex investigation into the activities of this criminal group. Theft of any kind can have a devastating impact on businesses and tradespeople, and I hope this outcome will serve as a form of closure for the victims involved."
The police advised property owners to use trackers, alarms, immobilisers, CCTV, and unique markings, such as postcodes, to prevent theft and aid recovery of stolen goods.