An Albanian crime gang that used property website Rightmove to study floorplans before stealing up to £3 million worth of items from homes across the UK has been jailed.
The group, linked to at least 59 high-value burglaries, targeted wealthy victims, stealing designer jewellery, watches, and handbags. Cheshire Police said the gang even set weekly targets for the amount of gold they wanted to steal.
Detective Sergeant Laura Fox said the incidents were "carefully orchestrated", with the gang researching targets before committing crimes across multiple force areas. Sussex Police confirmed the criminals had used Rightmove to select targets, as it can include floor plans.
Four men were sentenced to more than 38 years in prison at Chester Crown Court. Endrit Nikolli awaits sentencing. Jade Tubb, who helped the group, received a suspended sentence.
The investigation began in October 2024 after a series of burglaries in Cheshire. Officers linked incidents across the UK using footwear marks. A red Ford Focus insured by Kristian Gropcaj was present at many scenes. Raids recovered designer handbags and watches worth nearly £17,000.
Police are appealing for the owners of hundreds of recovered items. The gang showed "no regard" for the impact on victims, gloating about their crimes and sharing images of stolen goods.
