A group of men were involved in a gang who broke into homes in Monmouthshire and the Vale of Glamorgan have been jailed.
Members of the gang took Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen cars from homes in Chepstow, Monmouth and Peterston-super-Ely.
They also made off with sentimental items including an MBE medal, an ornate Faberge egg and jewellery.
The defendants were arrested and charged for their part in these crimes following the discovery of the cars, analysis of mobile phones and CCTV footage.
Robert Coulson from Newport was sentenced to nine years imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for six-and-a-half years.
Steven Gorry and Miles Bishop both from Newport were sentenced to seven years imprisonment and were disqualified from driving for five-and-a-half years. However, Miles was sentenced in his absence after he absconded during the trial and has not yet been located, enquiries are ongoing into his whereabouts.
Gareth Elliott from Pontypool was sentenced to two years imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for two years and eight weeks. He was also sentenced to additional 16 weeks imprisonment for a breach of a suspended sentence.
Geni Dragjoshi was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court last Wednesday for handling stolen goods and received 12 months imprisonment and a 18 month driving disqualification.
Detective Constable Carrie Streeter who led the case said: 'I would like to reassure our local residents that we are committed to tackling these types of reckless crimes and we will continue to proactively stop criminals who profit from other people's misery. These five men broke into homes, stole people's vehicles from their driveways along with sentimental valuables. The loss of these items has caused upset and financial loss to the victims and the defendants showed no regard for their feelings whilst taking part in these offences. The sentences handed down shows our rigorous efforts to secure justice and our continuous work to dismantle organised crime groups. The investigation has been painstaking but I hope the victims and our communities take comfort in this outcome.'
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