Seven men jailed over rural crime spree 

Seven men have been sentenced to more than 25 years in prison for their part in a series of rural thefts across Shropshire and north Wales.

The group, who were part of an organised crime gang, were responsible for stealing agricultural equipment worth an estimated £5 million to £10 million. 

The police investigation began in July 2023 after a noticeable rise in thefts targeting farms in the county. Officers from West Mercia Police discovered farms in south Shropshire were being targeted for equipment such as tractors, quad bikes and 4×4 vehicles. 

The rural locations and the fact the thefts often happened at night meant police had to rely on CCTV, forensics and phone work to identify the culprits.

Their investigation linked seven men to the crimes, who were also found to be responsible for burglaries in Montgomeryshire, which Dyfed-Powys Police had been investigating. 

The two forces worked together, collecting evidence related to over 150 offences that took place between August 2022 and February 2024. In March 2024, warrants were carried out at addresses in Broseley, Cross Houses and Telford, leading to the arrest of all seven men. 

The men pleaded guilty at a previous hearing and were sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court.

They were all charged with conspiracy to steal.

Those sentenced were:

Andrew Baker, 36, of Shifnal, sentenced to four years and five months.

Christopher Downes, 35, of Broseley, sentenced to seven months.

Thomas Nutt, 27, of Broseley, sentenced to four years and five months.

Wayne Price, 32, of Shrewsbury, sentenced to nine years.

Dean Rogerson, 34, of Ketley Bank, Telford, sentenced to three years and one month. 

Neil Shevlin, 32, of Shifnal, sentenced to one year and two months. 

Ryan Taylor, 32, of Telford, sentenced to two years and six months.