Burglars who used Rightmove to plan raids jailed
Burglars who used Rightmove to plan raids jailed
A quartet of criminals, who exploited Rightmove and Google to orchestrate multiple break-ins at upscale residences throughout the UK, have received prison terms. The gang, consisting of Kristian Gropcaj, George Pepa, and Krisjian Dedndreaj from the West Midlands, alongside Sidorjan Lleshi from Sheffield, admitted to their crimes at Chester Crown Court. Their illicit activities yielded over £1m in stolen goods, such as luxury watches and handbags, with the group even establishing weekly objectives for gold acquisition.
Jade Tubb, the partner of Endrit Nikolli, who is yet to be sentenced, confessed to conspiracy to possess criminal property. She received a 12-month suspended sentence and was required to complete 200 hours of community service. The gang, hailing from Albania, was responsible for 44 burglaries, including eight in Cheshire, two in Middlesbrough, nine in Derbyshire, and others spread across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Birmingham, Worcestershire, Hereford, and Shropshire.
“The gang were all members of a high-level organised crime group responsible for at least 59 high value burglaries across the UK,” said Det Sgt Laura Fox from Cheshire Police. “They specifically targeted wealthy victims, aiming to maximise the theft of premium property. Between them, they even set weekly targets for gold.”
Their modus operandi involved using Google to locate wealthy areas, then analysing Rightmove for property layouts. By infiltrating homes through the first floor—often with ladders—their actions bypassed alarms that only covered lower levels. The stolen items were frequently packed into ripped bed sheets as temporary containers. In one instance, CCTV footage captured them removing an entire safe from a property.
Nikolli, Gropcaj, Dedndreaj, Pepa, and Lleshi all played roles in executing the burglaries, while Tubb managed the proceeds. Further details about the case can be found in BBC reports, with additional coverage available on BBC iPlayer and X. Story ideas can be submitted via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2230.
