Burglar Gang

A gang of burglars who stole £300,000 in cash and jewellery from more than 50 homes across the West Midlands has been sentenced to a combined total of 48 years by the Birmingham Crown Court.

CCTV footage captured the gang raiding homes in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull, and Walsall between November 2022 and January 2023. They forced their way inside the residents by smashing windows or forcing open doors. They often struck when no one was home, but some victims were confronted by the thieves. 

West Midlands Police caught the gang after reviewing hours of CCTV footage, examining forensic evidence, and tracking two getaway cars with false plates, an Audi RS3 and a VW Golf.

The burglars were identified as Jason MacDonaugh (32), Darren O’Halloran (38), Barney Casey (22) and Daniel Harty (32). The four members were arrested in different places at different times.

“These four burglars have quite rightly lost their freedom for a long time. Their crime spree saw them target more than 50 homes across the West Midlands in just a few months,” said Sergeant James Birtles of West Midlands Police.

MacDonaugh was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison, while O’Halloran and Harty were each sentenced to 12 years. Casey was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison.

Burglary case data

This case should remind everyone, especially high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), of the importance of home security. Homes that are left empty for some time are especially vulnerable to burglaries. 

While the successful arrest and conviction of the burglars in this case is a positive development, it is essential to remember that law enforcement cannot be the only solution to home security issues.

According to official data, over 80 burglaries in 48.2 percent of the 30,100 neighbourhoods in England and Wales remained unsolved in the past three years. These include the three worst neighbourhoods in Hampshire, South Yorkshire, and Southeast London.

The data revealed that the most burgled areas were Leeds city centre (446 burglaries, 70.2 percent unsolved), Fitzrovia West and Soho (405 burglaries, 91.6 percent unsolved), and Cathedral Quarter, Derby (353 burglaries, 89 percent). Only 61 out of 30,100 neighbourhoods reported no burglaries in the past three years.

How to protect your house from burglary

The Metropolitan Police has published tips on how to keep your home safe from burglary and theft. 

First, choose burglar-proof doors and windows. Opt for modern multi-lock doors that use a system of hooks and latches. Sliding patio doors can be easily lifted out of their frames, so ensure you have an anti-lift device installed.

Second, install extra security tools like burglar alarms and CCTV. There are now smartphone-connected CCTV cameras, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere. If you notice any suspicious activities, you can contact the police.

Proper lighting is also essential. Indoor lights can make it seem like someone is home, even when you’re not. Motion-activated lights can be perfect for outdoor use, while those equipped with timers can be installed indoors. Varying the timing of the lights can make it even more difficult for burglars to figure out the homeowners’ routine. 

Hiring security agencies like Marengo is also beneficial for HNWIs. They can review, assess, and design security systems for different residences. This can effectively protect your house from burglary.