THREE men involved in a conspiracy which saw more than 40 vehicles stolen have been locked up.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how Cheshire Police officers in Widnes launched Operation Jungles to catch the criminals.

This came following reports of more than 40 keyless car thefts across Cheshire and Merseyside between 18 October 2023 and 13 February 2024.

Officers established that the thieves were using cloned keyless fobs in order to enter victims’ cars and steal them.

They would generally target Ford and Land Rover models.

Following a robust investigation and a significant amount of evidence gathered, Michael Farrell, Sean Fagan and Robert Lee were identified as the culprits.

On February 20, officers conducted warrants at four addresses in Widnes, Runcorn and Halewood, with support from Merseyside Police.

Farrell, Fagan, and Lee were arrested, while six stolen cars, as well as car parts, were seized during the warrants.

As a result of the evidence gathered, all three men were subsequently charged a short time later.

Appearing before Liverpool Crown Court, they pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal motor vehicles and handling stolen goods.

Farrell, aged 35, was jailed for 63 months, while Fagan, aged 31, was locked up for 27 months, and Lee, aged 19, was sentenced to six months imprisonment.

Following the sentencing, DCI Robert McLoughlin said: “Throughout this investigation, it was clear these men held no considerations for the law or the families they were stealing from.

“They targeted houses in the early hours while the occupants were asleep, with no regard as to how this would impact the victims.

“This was an extremely lengthy and complex investigation, with our officers working tirelessly to ensure Farrell, Fagan and Lee face the justice they deserve.

“Thankfully, due to the extensive work undertaken by officers and the mountain of evidence gathered, a number of stolen vehicles have been located, and Farrell, Fagan, and Lee are all behind bars facing the consequences of their actions.

“I hope the conclusion of Operation Jungles serves as a reminder that we will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in organised crime and bring them to justice.

“I also hope that this case acts as a warning to others who are looking to come to Cheshire to commit crime.”