Three men have been jailed after authorities in Birmingham, England, linked them to the theft of nearly £2 million ($2.7 million) worth of vehicles during an eight-month crime spree. Callum James, 24, Jack Bardini, 18, and Deche Luton-Howe, 25, were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on February 12 for their role in a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts between August 2024 and April 2025.
West Midlands Police said the gang targeted high-end vehicles, broke into homes, stole car keys and fled with the vehicles. Investigators reported the suspects installed false license plates on the stolen cars to avoid detection. During the investigation, police found video footage recorded by the men during the crime. The video shows James and Bardini filmed as they enter the property, pose next to a stolen BMW, remove the license plate and then drive the vehicle in circles. Authorities said Luton Howe provided counterfeit license plates used on the stolen cars.
Prosecutors filed more than 100 comprehensive charges against the organization. James pleaded guilty to 75 charges, including conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to commit motor vehicle theft and conspiracy to conceal criminal property. Baldini pleaded guilty to 31 of the same charges. Luton-Howe admitted possessing and controlling items used in fraud and manufacturing and supplying fraudulent items in relation to counterfeit number plates.
James was sentenced to nine years in prison. Baldini was sentenced to six years and nine months. Luton-Howe was sentenced to two years and three months in prison. Authorities said the investigation dismantled the gang’s operations and ended the theft spree.
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