Forest Pair Members of Gang Which Stole More Than £2m Worth of Cars
Two New Forest men, part of a gang that stole over £2 million worth of cars, have appeared in court.
Matthew Watkins, 24, of Manor Road in Ringwood, and Gary Kelly, 38, of Ringwood Road in Bransgore, were among 12 men and women who stole 107 high-end vehicles across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire between February and October 2023.
- Watkins attempted to escape police during a 100mph motorway pursuit.
- Kelly operated a vehicle 'chop shop' on land he leased.
The operation was a "highly sophisticated commercial operation carried out by an organised crime group".
Vehicles were taken from driveways in the middle of the night while owners were asleep.
Author's summary: A gang of 12 stole over £2m worth of cars in the UK.