Gang who burgled bike shops in four counties including West Sussex jailed

A gang who burgled bike shops in four counties - including West Sussex - have been jailed for 18 years.

Four men were convicted of their involvement in break-ins at stores in Crawley and other locations in 2023.

They used stolen vans and number plates.

As part of the investigation, a total of 11 burglaries were uncovered. The total value of goods stolen was more than £215,000.

Four men previously plead guilty to conspiring to burgle at various hearings at Southampton Crown Court between May 2024 and November 2024. They are:

-Rhys Thornton, 30, of Pansy Road in Southampton - Jailed for three years, four months

-Richard Adrian Chilton, 34, of Judges Gully Close in Bishopstoke - Jailed for five years, three months

-Andrew Jozef Wooff, 32, of Wicks Place in Chelmsford - Jailed for four years, plus two years for a separate unlawful wounding offence

-Martin William Meadows, 33, of Portswood Road in Southampton - Jailed for four years, two months

Detective Constable Sheryl Teather, who led the investigation, said: “I am pleased with today’s result, after a long and complex investigation into this burglary conspiracy.

“These men brought misery to not only the businesses they targeted, but the local residents whose vehicles were stolen to enable them to commit these crimes.

“They believed they were above the law and would not get caught, but now justice has been served with all four/five men receiving custodial sentences.

“We have taken a very well planned, thought-out operation and got them off the streets and behind bars; where they will now spend a significant period of time for their troubles. Our collective actions have dismantled a very dangerous organised criminal gang and for that – I am incredibly thankful to all those involved in getting us to this stage.”