Gang Jailed After Stealing Luxury Cars Worth £2.4m In Massive Crime Spree

A criminal gang who stole more than 50 high-value cars, including three from outside homes in the Harborough District, have been jailed for over 30 years between them.

The seven men were caught following an extensive investigation by Police, after they used sophisticated equipment to steal the keyless cars, including BMWs, Range Rovers and Mercedes worth £2.4m.

They were stolen in Leicestershire and other parts of the country in 2019 and detectives made a break-through when one of the gang members was arrested following thefts near Oakham.

Leicester Crown Court heard the cars were stripped down and parts sold online or transported to Lithuania.

Detective Constable Lucy Chafer from Leicestershire Police said: “This has been an extremely long and complex investigation to bring a gang who were involved in millions of pounds worth of vehicle theft to justice.

“The group had no consideration for their many victims as they targeted high value vehicles and worked in a sophisticated manner to try and avoid being caught. But the determination of the investigating team has ultimately led to them all finally having to face up to their actions in court. Organised crime offences remain a priority for us in force and we continue in our work to bring those involved to justice.

“We would advise owners of keyless entry vehicles to take steps to help prevent theft of your vehicle. This includes keeping your key inside a Faraday bag which blocks signals from reaching your key or alternatively keeping it in any metal container to block signal transmission.”

The men sentenced are:

Valdas Bajorinas, 35, of Guildenburgh Crescent, Whittlesey, near Peterborough, who police identified as the “boss” of the organised crime group. Messages recovered by police showed Bajorinas as being involved in the offending throughout including the organisation and training of people involved in the offending. Bajorinas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and concealing criminal property. He was sentenced today to a total of seven years and two months.

Juozas Paulaskas, 30, of Smalley Road, Boston, Lincolnshire, who police found to be a key player in organising and being involved in the thefts and movement of parts. Paulaskas was responsible for employing people, paying, overseeing and identifying work and vehicles for the group to target. Paulaskas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and concealing criminal property. He was sentenced today to a total of six years and four months.

Edgaras Balcinas, 29, of Burrows Close, Boston, who was found to be operating at a similar level to Paulaskas. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and was previously sentenced to four years and two months imprisonment.

Gintaulas Kancevicius, 51, of Church Green Close, Fishtoft, Boston, who rented units where vehicles were found being stripped down into parts and further stolen parts recovered. Kancevicius pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and concealing criminal property. He was sentenced today to a total of three years and 10 months.

Jonas Steponavicius, 22, of Blue Street, Boston, who police found to have driven vehicles which were stolen. Steponavicius pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and going equipped to steal. He was previously sentenced to two years and eight months imprisonment.

Oleg Suchovcov, 27, of Smalley Road, Boston, who police found to have been involved in breaking the stolen vehicles down into parts. He pleaded guilty to concealing criminal property and was previously sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment.

Justas Urbanavicius, 21, of Powell Street, Boston, who police found was also involved in breaking stolen vehicles down into parts. He pleaded guilty to concealing criminal property and was sentenced today to two years and six months.