A high-level Albanian crime gang has been jailed for using Rightmove to study floorplans before stealing up to £3 million worth of luxury items from homes across the UK. The group was linked to at least 59 high-value burglaries, targeting wealthy victims for designer jewellery, watches, and handbags, Cheshire Police said.
Four men were sentenced to more than 38 years in prison at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, while a fifth awaits sentencing. Detective Sergeant Laura Fox said the crimes were 'carefully orchestrated' and that the gang set weekly targets for gold theft. Sussex Police confirmed the criminals used Rightmove to select targets, as it can include floor plans.
The investigation began in October 2024 after a series of burglaries in Cheshire where offenders used ladders to access first-floor windows. Officers linked the incidents across the UK using footwear marks, and tracked a red Ford Focus insured by Kristian Gropcaj, 30, to many scenes. Phone records showed regular contact with other gang members at a Birmingham coffee shop.
Raids recovered 13 designer handbags and 14 watches worth nearly £17,000, along with phones containing images of stolen goods. Six defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and possess criminal property. Fox added that the gang 'had absolutely no regard for the impact on victims' and 'gloated about their crimes'.
Cheshire Police are appealing for the owners of hundreds of suspected stolen items to come forward.
