Coventry brothers jailed after tool-theft spree targeting work vans
David and Patrick McDonagh carried out a three-month crime spree
Two brothers from Coventry have been jailed following a series of targeted thefts in which thousands of pounds worth of tools were stolen from work vehicles across the city.
David and Patrick McDonagh carried out a three-month crime spree between March and May this year, drilling the locks of vans and other work vehicles parked in car parks throughout Coventry to gain access.
Their actions resulted in more than £42,000 worth of stolen tools and vehicle damage.
Following extensive police work involving hundreds of hours of investigation, officers were able to identify and arrest the pair.
At Warwick Crown Court, 45-year-old David McDonagh and 38-year-old Patrick McDonagh both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of a motor vehicle.
They were each sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.
Police say the sentencing reflects the significant impact the thefts had on local tradespeople, many of whom rely on their tools for their livelihood.
"Hopefully this sentence sends a clear message"
Detective Sergeant Jay Aston from the Coventry Neighbourhood Crime Team said: "The majority of victims in this case were self-employed tradespeople, with these thefts having a significant impact on their ability to work and earn a living.
"My team worked tirelessly throughout their investigation to put together a timeline of events and information to help charge the men responsible.
"Fortunately, we were able to identify some of the victims and reunite them with their stolen property, with a number of items recovered after the pair were arrested.
"Hopefully this sentence sends a clear message that this kind of crime will not be tolerated in Coventry."