Huntingdon man was part of criminal gang which targeted high-value cars

Lawrence Rooney (Image: Archant)

Initially five burglaries were identified in Cambridgeshire, where the group had targeted high powered German vehicles between October 2015 and January 2016.

On January 27, four defendants were charged and remanded for conspiring to commit these domestic burglaries. The investigation then revealed additional offences in Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Middlesex.

During the investigation DNA was found which linked the defendants to stolen vehicles and tools found within them. Data from mobile telephone masts revealed that the defendants had been in areas when the offences had been committed. This evidence was presented to the defence and resulted in the four defendants entering guilty pleas.

The court heard how the defendants were organised and prolific when targeting 14 homes for jewellery and high value vehicles. This resulted in seven vehicles, valued between £20,000 and £40,000 each, being stolen after the keys were taken during the burglaries.

Michael Doran (Image: Archant)

Felix Rooney, 24, of Aspen Green, Huntingdon, Lawrence Rooney, 23, of HMP Peterborough, Michael Doran, 18, of Common View, Letchworth Garden City, and a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged with conspiracy to commit dwelling burglaries in a case which saw numerous victims see justice for the crimes committed against them.

Felix Rooney received six years, Lawrence Rooney received three years and four months and Doran received three years and four months.

The juvenile had his sentencing deferred for four months due to his age and him having no previous convictions.

Detective Constable James Howard said: “This was a complex investigation that came to light following an arrest by Hertfordshire Police, who found evidence in the form of walkie talkies and cleaning fluid, which were hallmark factors in this conspiracy.

“The length of sentences handed out by the court sends a clear message to offenders, that if you commit dwelling burglary and cause vulnerability, you will be punished.”

Temporary chief inspector Brian Driver added: “These defendants were part of an organised group involved in dwelling burglaries targeting premises that have high value cars for the purpose of selling the cars on.

“They also stole jewellery and other items during the thefts. It was difficult to track them down but working with other police forces including Hertfordshire, London, Hampshire and Northamptonshire we found that there was quite a lot of offences in Cambridgeshire so the Cambridgeshire police force took charge of the investigation.

“When I look at the sentence handed out for the defendants I believe that these are a reflection of the crimes committed.”