Four men jailed in Bradford for stealing vehicles worth £850,000, bragging about it online, and terrorizing victims.
Police found key fob photos on Linden’s phone. One picture showed cash and read, “Nice wage.” They threatened a VW owner inside their house and then stole the VW T-Roc. They also rammed a motorcyclist off the road.
Two men used a hammer and knife to rob the rider. Ashley broke into a house to steal a Cupra. He posted a brag video with the stolen car, calling it a “smash and grab” online.
A judge called them a “callous” group and noted they all helped steal cars. This gang stole cars from January 2023 to April 2024. The judge said it was their “profession” and that they sought thrills, not just money.
They picked a car to steal as a group and then stole it when they could. The judge said they seemed proud of themselves and filmed their crimes, showing immaturity. Linden got seven years in prison.
Southern received six years and four months, Ashley got three years and eleven months, and Hamilton got three years in jail. Many stolen cars were never found, while recovered cars were often damaged.
The thieves left DNA on tools and clothes. Ashley posted TikTok videos about the thefts, which police used as evidence. Southern posed on a stolen BMW in one photo, with both he and another person wearing masks.
The crimes included conspiracy and handling stolen goods, totaling over sixty offenses. The team size varied with each theft. They broke into homes to steal car keys.
They stole two Audis from one address overnight in Shelf. In other instances, they stole from shops and gas stations. One victim was near their VW when it vanished.
They spray-painted stolen cars or used fake plates to resell them. They also broke cars to sell parts. They stole BMWs, Audis, Mercedes, VWs, and Skodas, along with Fords and motorcycles, including a Harley.
The total value of the vehicles was over £850,000. Lawyers said the men lacked maturity; Ashley had intellectual disabilities, Linden was easily exploited and normalized crime, Southern was easily led, and Hamilton had limited intelligence. The judge praised the police for their work.