Car theft gang jailed

A Manchester gang, responsible for the theft at least 19 vehicles from homes and business premises, have been jailed after pleading guilty to their involvement in the theft of at least 19 vehicles across Cheshire.

Alan Dunwoody, 38, of Pewsey Road, Wythenshaw and Mark Strutt, 42, of Glebe Street, Offerton, were both sentenced to four years in prison after pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to steal. Ryan Dunwoody, 35, of HMP Wymott, Ulnes Walton, was handed a 22 month custodial sentence after admitting theft of a motor vehicle, while Mark Ford, 23, of Colshaw Road, Manchester, was sentenced to 20 months in prison suspended for two years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal.

During the hearing, the court heard how between them the group were responsible for the theft at least 19 vehicles from homes and business premises across Cheshire, including premises in Knutsford, Macclesfield, Northwich, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge.

The incidents occurred between June 2018 and April 2020, with the majority of offences involving keyless car thefts, although the gang also broke into a number of homes.

They primarily targeted Fiat Abarths, but also stole other vehicles including Ford Focus, Vauxhall Corsa and two Fiat Ducato car transporters.

Following their sentencing Detective Constable Andrew Street said: “Throughout this investigation it was clear that this gang had no boundaries, even at the height of lockdown, the gang had the audacity to steal four vehicles in one night from a garage on the outskirts of Northwich, which had a value of £92,000.

“Thankfully as a result of our investigation the gang are now facing the consequences of their actions.

“As this case demonstrates, we are relentless in our pursuit against criminals and I hope that the sentences handed to this group provide reassurance to local residents and act as a warning to other offenders who are planning to come to Cheshire to commit crime.”