Theft gang jailed

A gang who stole high-value motorcycles in a string of burglaries has been jailed for a total of over 20 years.

Seven men who targeted bike owners in affluent residential areas of Berkshire, Middlesex and Surrey were jailed for between six months and five years at Reading Crown Court.

Another three were given suspended jail terms and a fourth has yet to be sentenced.
Daniel O’Keefe, of Uxbridge, Middlesex, got five years’ jail for offences including the burglary of a bike shop in which £97,000 worth of motorcycles were stolen. 

His brother Craig Wells of West Drayton got three years and eight months for offences including handling a stolen Suzuki GSX-R600 and SV650 worth £9000.  Sixteen bikes were stolen in the spree, and nine recovered by police.

The Met’s DI John Cracknell said: “It’s an excellent result and demonstrates our determination.”

Members of the gang also stole a £50,000 Subaru Impreza belonging to former Boyzone band member Shane Lynch.