Burglars who used Rightmove to plan raids jailed
Four UK Burglars Sentenced After Using Rightmove to Plan Heists
A group of four individuals convicted of multiple burglaries in the UK have been sentenced following their use of Rightmove and Google to coordinate their criminal activities. The suspects, originally from Albania, targeted wealthy households across the country, amassing over £1 million in stolen goods. Their operations involved meticulous planning, with weekly objectives for gold theft set as part of their strategy.
Albanian Gang’s Nationwide Impact
The gang was linked to 44 burglaries, including eight in Cheshire, five in Nottinghamshire, and nine in Derbyshire. Other locations involved were Middlesbrough (two incidents), Leicestershire (two), Staffordshire (seven), Warwickshire (two), Worcestershire (three), Hereford (two), and Shropshire (one). The sentences handed down to the three men—Kristian Gropcaj, George Pepa, and Krisjian Dedndreaj from the West Midlands, and Sidorjan Lleshi from Sheffield—ranged from nine years to ten years and nine months. Endrit Nikolli, 27, will receive his sentence at a later hearing.
Targeted Tactics and Crime Execution
The defendants leveraged Google to identify high-value postcode areas, then used Rightmove to analyze property blueprints. This allowed them to plan entry points and maximize loot. They frequently accessed homes through the first floor using ladders, avoiding alarm systems that only covered ground-level areas. Homes were systematically searched, with bed linens repurposed as makeshift bags for stolen items. One incident involved a safe being removed entirely, as seen in CCTV footage.
Cheshire Police uncovered the gang’s method of breaking in, noting their focus on affluent targets and organized execution of thefts. The court highlighted how their use of digital tools facilitated efficient planning, enabling them to execute high-profile raids with precision.
Stay Updated with BBC Coverage
For more stories on Cheshire crime, visit the BBC website. Watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer or follow BBC North West on X for real-time updates. Share your crime ideas via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230.