Rightmove-aided burglars jailed for £1m UK crime spree
Organised Crime Gang Jailed
Four men who systematically targeted affluent homes across the UK, stealing an estimated £1 million worth of valuables, have been handed substantial prison sentences. Kristian Gropcaj, 31, George Pepa, 31, and Krisjian Dedndreaj, 29, all from the West Midlands, alongside Sidorjan Lleshi, 27, from Sheffield, pleaded guilty to numerous burglaries at Chester Crown Court. They received sentences ranging from nine years to ten years and nine months.
The court heard that the gang utilised online tools, specifically Google and Rightmove, to identify wealthy postcodes and then research individual property layouts and floorplans. This detailed reconnaissance allowed them to execute sophisticated break-ins, often targeting first-floor entry points to circumvent ground-floor alarm systems. Valuables, including designer watches and handbags, were the primary focus, with the gang reportedly setting weekly gold theft targets.
A fifth man, Endrit Nikolli, 27, is awaiting sentencing, and his partner, Jade Tubb, 27, from Walsall, received a suspended 12-month sentence and 200 hours of community service for her involvement in handling criminal property. Detective Sergeant Laura Fox of Cheshire Police described the group as a "high-level organised crime gang responsible for at least 59 high value burglaries across the UK."
The breakthrough in the investigation came through DNA evidence and a unique shoeprint found at multiple crime scenes. Subsequent raids led to the recovery of numerous stolen items, including 13 designer handbags and 14 watches, valued at nearly £17,000.
