Burglars who used Rightmove to plan raids jailed
Burglars who used Rightmove to plan raids jailed
A group of thieves who exploited Rightmove and Google to orchestrate multiple break-ins at homes in the UK have received prison sentences. The four individuals, all from the West Midlands and one from Sheffield, confessed to their crimes during a hearing at Chester Crown Court. They were sentenced to terms ranging from nine years to ten years and nine months. Endrit Nikolli, 27, remains to be sentenced, while his partner, Jade Tubb, of Walsall, accepted guilt for conspiracy to possess criminal property and received a 12-month suspended sentence with 200 hours of community service.
Method of Operation
The criminals targeted affluent areas by using Google to pinpoint postcode regions with high-value properties. They then studied floorplans on Rightmove to plan their entries. Breaking in through the first floor—often via a ladder—allowed them to bypass downstairs alarm systems. Inside, they systematically ransacked homes, removing items like jewelry and money, and even tore bed sheets into makeshift bags for transporting stolen goods. In one instance, they were filmed extracting an entire safe from a property using CCTV footage.
“You have taken something from them that cannot be replaced,” said Judge Patrick Thompson. “You have taken their sense of security in their own homes and left them feeling vulnerable and uneasy.”
Investigation Breakthrough
The case gained traction when Staffordshire Police uncovered DNA evidence from a burglary that matched the group’s modus operandi. A shoeprint, later found at multiple crime scenes, proved pivotal. Though the trainers, purchased from Primark, were common, the unique pattern of the sole became a key identifier. The gang’s activities spanned eight counties, including Cheshire, Middlesborough, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Hereford, and Shropshire.
Det Sgt Laura Fox, from Cheshire Police, described the group as “members of a high-level organised crime gang responsible for at least 59 high value burglaries across the UK.” She noted the gang’s focus on wealthy victims, aiming to maximize the value of stolen property. Nikolli, Gropcaj, Dedndreaj, Pepa, and Lleshi all played roles in executing raids, while Tubb managed the proceeds.
During a series of raids, officers seized 13 designer handbags and 14 watches valued at nearly £17,000. The total value of stolen items reached £1 million, including luxury watches and other precious goods. The gang’s meticulous planning and coordinated efforts left victims grappling with paranoia and anxiety.
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