West Midlands burglars convicted after targeting homes across Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull

Four men were convicted of plundering more than 50 homes and stealing around £300,000 of jewellery and cash during a series of break-ins across the West Midlands. The burglars targeted scores of homes across Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall between in a span of three months from last November and January this year.

West Midlands Police worked alongside their counterparts in Ireland and were able to identify the gang involved in the crime-spree. The masked gang would ensure no-one was present at the targeted addresses before forcing their way inside. They would then begin their search for expensive jewellery and money.

After watching hours of CCTV, examining forensic opportunities and also phone records, police were able to identify two vehicles - firstly an Audi RS3 and then a VW Golf - which were on false plates and used to flee the scenes. Following extensive enquiries they managed to identify Jason MacDonaugh as being the buyer and seller of the Audi. Then connect his associates with him to the crimes.

West Midlands Police said: “We tracked MacDonaugh, aged 32, Darren O’Halloran, 38, and Barney Casey, 22, to Yorkshire where they were arrested in early February. Following further enquiries we detained Daniel Harty, 32, in Wales later in the month.

“The four, of no fixed address but originally from Ireland - were convicted of conspiracy to burgle following a four-and-a-half week trial which concluded on Wednesday (2 August). They were remanded into custody for sentencing on 11 September.”

Sergeant James Birtles, from our investigation team which led the enquiries, said: “This gang were relentless in their pursuit of jewellery, which could be sold on, along with cash.

“They tried to cover their tracks but through extensive enquiries, which included working with the An Garda Síochána, we managed to identify and link them to more than 50 burglaries across the region. We know the impact of being a victim of burglary, the intrusion into your home and the loss of sentimental items and hard-earned money. I have no doubts they would have struck again and again if not caught and they now face considerable time behind bars.”