Seven men jailed following theft of farm machinery worth up to £10m

It is estimated this organised crime group is responsible for thefts worth between £5 million and £10 million of agricultural equipment during their crime spree.

In July 2023, following an increase in rural burglaries across the county, detectives from Shropshire’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Team started their investigation.

Officers soon discovered that farms in south Shropshire were the main target, with agricultural equipment such as tractors, gators, quad bikes and 4×4 pick-ups being stolen.

Due to the thefts being carried out in often very rural locations and under the cover of darkness, officers had to rely on CCTV, forensics and phone work to identify any suspects.

The team was able to link the thefts to seven men they believed were involved.

The sentencing

Officers uncovered that the men were also responsible for a number of thefts in Montgomeryshire that were also linked to an investigation being carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Working together, the two forces began to collate and collect evidence relating to over 150 offences spanning from August 2022 through to February 2024.

In March 2024, West Mercia Police, along with officers from Dyfed-Powys Police, carried out a series of warrants at addresses in Broseley, Cross Houses and Telford, where men were arrested in connection with the thefts.

All seven men were then charged with conspiracy to steal from another.

On Monday 15th September, they were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court to a total of 25 years and five months after pleading guilty at a previous hearing.

Andrew Baker was sentenced to four years and five months in prison, Christopher Downes to seven months, Thomas Nutt to four years and five months, Wayne Price to nine years, Dean Rogerson to three years and one month, Neil Shevlin to one year and two months and Ryan Taylor was sentenced to two years and six months.

Strong message sent

Detective Sergeant Ben Docherty from Shropshire’s Serious Acquisitive Crime Team said: “We hope this sentence sends a strong message to anyone involved in this type of criminality that we take rural crime incredibly seriously and will investigate and do everything to ensure offenders are put before the courts.

“I would continue to encourage communities to take part in Rural Watch, which is a free scheme set up to support communities in the fight against rural crime. People can also sign up to Neighbourhood Matters, our free community messaging service, to keep up to date with the work local policing teams are doing in their area.”

Chief Inspector Matthew Price, from Dyfed-Powys Police, added: “This was a great piece of joint investigative work carried out by two forces into an organised crime group who thought they could target rural areas to commit numerous offences.

“This investigation highlights the importance of neighbouring police forces working together to tackle cross-border crime, and that collaboration and partnerships result in the best outcomes for our communities.”

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