Seven sentenced for farm thefts worth millions

Wayne Price (left), Thomas Nutt (centre) and Andrew Baker (right) targeted farms in Shropshire and north Wales

Seven men have been jailed for their part in thefts that targeted farms in south Shropshire and the north of Wales.

It is thought the organised crime group were responsible for thefts worth between £5m and £10m of agricultural equipment.

Farms in south Shropshire were the main targets, with equipment like tractors, quad bikes and 4x4 pick-ups being taken, West Mercia Police said. But the force also uncovered that the men were also responsible for a number of thefts in Montgomeryshire - linked to an investigation carried out by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The seven were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court after earlier pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal.

Neil Shevlin (left), Dean Rogerson (centre) and Ryan Taylor (right) mainly worked in the dark

After an increase in rural burglaries in Shropshire in July 2023, officers from Shropshire's serious acquisitive crime team started to investigate.

The thefts were carried out in the dark and in rural locations, so police relied on CCTV footage, forensics and phone work to identify the suspects.

Both Dyfed-Powys Police evidence relating to more than 150 offences from August 2022 to February 2024 was collected and on 20 March 2024, the forces carried out warrants in Broseley, Cross Houses and Telford.

"We hope this sentence sends a strong message to anyone involved in this type of criminality that we take rural crime incredibly seriously and will investigate and do everything to ensure offenders are put before the courts," said Det Sgt Ben Docherty.

Their sentences were as follows:

• Andrew Baker, 36, of Wilkinson Avenue, Broseley - four years and five months

• Christopher Downes, 35, of Park View, Broseley - seven months

• Thomas Nutt, 27, of Bridgnorth Road, Broseley - four years and five months

• Wayne Price, 32, of Cross Houses, Shrewsbury - nine years

• Dean Rogerson, 34, of Homelands Park, Ketley Bank, Telford - three years and one month

• Neil Shevlin, 32, of Bridgnorth Road, Shifnal - one year and two months

• Ryan Taylor, 32, of Hayward Parade, Telford - three years and one month