Essex Men Jailed for £1.3M Keyless Car Theft Conspiracy

Two men, Jack Reid, 22, and Connor Jones, 26, have been sentenced for their involvement in a series of keyless vehicle thefts across South East England, totaling over £1.3 million. They utilized 'relay' devices to capture car key signals from victims' homes, enabling them to steal vehicles without needing the actual keys. The Essex Police's Serious Organised Crime Unit linked over 70 thefts to this group, leading to their arrest after a thorough investigation. Reid received a sentence of three years and nine months, while Jones was sentenced to four years and 11 months. Victims, including Katie Evans, expressed their fear and anxiety following the thefts, highlighting the psychological impact of such crimes. Police have emphasized their commitment to combatting organized vehicle theft and the importance of preventive measures for residents.