Gang jailed for seven years for stealing £364,000 worth of cars

A PARKGATE man has been jailed for nine months for his role in a gang which bought stolen cars and broke them down for parts.

Mohammed Ismail (32) of Mulberry Close was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday.

He and two associates — Mawloud Hussein (40) of Keyworth Close, Askern and Asor Ahmed (33) of Concord Meadows in Wheatley — received a total of seven years in prison for handling £364,000-worth of stolen cars at Quarry Lane in Branton.

The gang set up a hand car wash business to cover their criminal activity — buying cars stolen from around the country and using their parts to repair damaged vehicles.

Police filmed the gang taking possession of stolen cars between December 2011 and January 2012.

All three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to handle stolen motor vehicles, with gang leader Hussein receiving five years in prison.

PC Jo Butler said: “It is believed most of these cars were stolen with the vehicle’s keys — modern security features make it virtually impossible to steal cars without the keys.

“Burglaries took place where keys were left on windowsills, on the bottom of staircases or on kitchen sides, making them easy targets for thieves. 

She added: “While this gang were not linked directly to committing the burglaries, their activities clearly provided an outlet and fuelled the burglars who appeared to steal to order.

“Handling stolen property, whether intentional or not, is a serious crime and will not be tolerated.

“I would like to thank the community in coming forward with information to help us with this investigation.”