Members of an Albanian crime gang have been jailed in the UK after carrying out a string of high-value burglaries across several counties, stealing belongings worth more than £1 million.Police linked the group to at least 59 break-ins across Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire and other regions, with most of the stolen items believed to have been sold on.
‘Gloated’ over stolen luxury items
Investigators said the gang showed “no regard” for victims and even boasted about their crimes, sharing images of stolen designer handbags, watches and jewellery.The group specifically targeted affluent households, setting informal targets for the amount of gold and valuables they planned to steal.
Daring break-ins using ladders, first-floor entry
The gang typically used ladders to access homes, entering through first-floor windows or balconies to avoid detection.In one incident, CCTV footage captured them dragging a safe over a garden fence. Victims described terrifying moments, with one family forced to barricade themselves inside their home while the burglars were just a floor above.
Sentences total over 38 years
Five gang members pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit burglary and handling stolen property.Kristian Gropcaj was jailed for 10 years, while George Pepa and Krisjian Dedndreaj received nine-year sentences each.Sidorjan Lleshi was handed 10 years and nine months in prison. Endrit Nikolli is due to be sentenced at a later date.A British woman, Jade Tubb, who admitted possessing criminal property, received a 12-month suspended sentence.
Police used ANPR, DNA and phone data to crack case
The investigation began in October 2024 after a spate of burglaries in east Cheshire. Officers linked the crimes using footwear marks and vehicle tracking data.Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) identified a red Ford Focus connected to multiple incidents, while phone records showed regular contact between the suspects.DNA evidence and mobile phone data, including Google Maps searches of targeted locations, further tied the gang to the crimes.
Raids led to arrests, recovery of stolen goods
Police carried out coordinated raids in Birmingham, Walsall and Sutton Coldfield in July 2025, arresting several members of the gang. Another suspect was later detained in Surrey.Officers recovered designer handbags, watches worth nearly £17,000, and phones containing images of stolen items.
‘Carefully orchestrated’ crimes, say police
Detectives said the burglaries were “carefully orchestrated”, with the gang researching targets and operating across multiple regions to evade detection.Authorities added that the group’s actions had a lasting emotional impact on victims, many of whom continue to deal with the trauma of the break-ins.
