A group of prolific burglars responsible for numerous crimes across Essex, including crashing a stolen car in Canvey, were sentenced to over 13 years in prison on Wednesday, January 7, 2024.

The group comprises Thomas Davis, Alan Clough, Steve Watts, and Harry Fenwick, who were connected to at least 35 burglaries and car thefts across Essex in 2016. They took cash, jewellery, electronics, and irreplaceable items with significant sentimental value to the victims throughout their crime spree.

“These burglars targeted innocent people across our county for their financial gain,” Detective Sergeant Jonathan Stephenson said. “Their crimes have had a devastating impact on their victims, both in the value of the items they have lost and the psychological impact being a victim of crime can have.”

Davis, 38, who was already incarcerated at the time of the latest trial, openly posted images of the cars he stole, including a Bentley, on his Facebook profile. Police traced him in one of these stolen vehicles in August 2016, when he crashed into a building in Canvey.

After years of case compilation by officers, these burglars were eventually apprehended. The defendants pleaded guilty, and on Friday, February 2, they received their sentences at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Davis was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison for conspiracy to commit burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, and motor vehicle theft. This sentence will be served consecutively to his current imprisonment for a separate offence.

Clough, aged 32 and also already serving a separate sentence at the time of sentencing, received four years and one month in prison for conspiring to commit burglary and the theft of a motor vehicle.

Meanwhile, Watts, who was imprisoned at the time of sentencing, received a sentence of five years and four months for conspiracy to commit burglary. Fenwick, residing in Markhams, Stanford-le-Hope, received a two-year suspended sentence, along with a requirement for 20 days of rehabilitation activity and 200 hours of unpaid work.

“The work of the officers in this complex case was exemplary – it highlights the lengths we will go to to make sure we get justice for burglary victims in Essex, regardless of how long ago the offences occurred,” Detective Sergeant Stephenson said.

Essex burglary rate

According to British data visualiser Plumplot, Essex ranks among the top 20 most dangerous counties in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Basildon stands out as the most dangerous among the county’s larger towns and cities, while Billericay is the safest area within the county.

Burglary crimes make up 4.2 percent of all reported crimes in the county, with a total of 7,200 burglaries reported in 2023. The number of burglaries in Essex County increased by 9.6 percent compared to the previous year.

However, the county saw a nearly six percent decrease in overall reported crimes in 2023 compared to 2022. Incidents of antisocial behaviour dropped by over 37 percent, with more than 9,000 fewer reports, and in Southend, they nearly halved. Despite this achievement, Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington emphasised that “there is still more work to do.”

Harrington also urged Essex residents to report and come forward if they witness an offence or become a victim. He stressed that every piece of information assists in building investigations and compiling evidence for convictions. While immediate action may not be visible, the information provided by residents aids law enforcement in taking appropriate measures and securing convictions.

Apart from immediate reporting, high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) residing in high-value properties should exercise heightened caution regarding security. Engaging security firms such as Marengo can bolster residence security. They can identify security vulnerabilities, create customised security strategies, and implement them with the ideal resources and personnel.