Three men jailed following a series of vehicle thefts in Cheshire and Merseyside
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Three men who stole cars from homes in Cheshire and Merseyside have been jailed.
Michael Farrell, Sean Fagan, and Robert Lee, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 18 October, where they were sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiring to steal motor vehicles and handling stolen goods.
Farrell, 35, of HMP Altcourse, was sentenced to 63 months for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine), and dangerous driving.
Fagan, 31, of HMP Liverpool, was sentenced to 27 months for conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.
Lee, 19, of HMP Altcourse, was sentenced to 6 months for handling stolen goods.
The court heard how Widnes Proactive Policing Team launched Operation Jungles following reports of over 40 keyless car thefts in Cheshire and Merseyside between 18 October 2023 and 13 February 2024.
Officers established that the men were using cloned keyless fobs in order to enter victims’ cars and steal them. The men would generally target Ford and Land Rover models.
Following a robust investigation and a significant amount of evidence gathered, Farrell, Fagan, and Lee were identified as the culprits.
On Tuesday 20 February, officers conducted warrants at four addresses in Widnes, Runcorn, and Halewood, with support from Merseyside Police.
Farrell, Fagan, and Lee were arrested and six stolen cars, as well as car parts, were seized during the warrants.
As a result of the evidence gathered, all three men were subsequently charged a short time later.
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Michael Farrell -
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Sean Fagan -
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Robert Lee
Following his sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Robert McLoughlin said:
“Throughout this investigation it was clear these men held no considerations for the law or the families they were stealing from.
“They targeted houses in the early hours whilst the occupants were asleep, with no regard as to how this would impact the victims.
“This was an extremely lengthy and complex investigation, with our officers working tirelessly to ensure Farrell, Fagan, and Lee face the justice they deserve.
“Thankfully due to the extensive work undertaken by Widnes Proactive team, and the mountain of evidence gathered – a number of stolen vehicles have been located, and Farrell, Fagan, and Lee are all behind bars facing the consequences of their actions.
“I hope the conclusion of Operation Jungles serves as a reminder that we will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in organised crime and bring them to justice.
“I also hope that this case acts as a warning to others who are looking to come to Cheshire to commit crime."