‘Gang stole cars from drives while owners were on holiday’ – court

AN ORGANISED crime gang stole residents’ vehicles from their drives while they were on holiday to sell on for a profit, a court has heard.

The five defendants have been charged with offences linked to the thefts of cars in Monmouthshire and the Vale of Glamorgan in 2016.

Robert Coulson, 43, of Graig Park Road, Newport, Miles Bishop, 33, of Pillmawr Circle, Newport, and Steven Gorry, 30, of Sycamore Avenue, Newport, each deny a charge of conspiracy to commit burglary and a conspiracy to steal cars, while Gareth Elliott, 37, of Stanley Road, Pontypool, and Geni Dragjshi, 30, of Gomer Street, Walsall, both deny counts of handling stolen goods.

Bishop has pleaded guilty to three counts of handling stolen goods.

A trial which began at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday heard that three properties, in Monmouth, Peterston-super-Ely, and Chepstow were burgled between June 26 and July 19 last year.

One burglary was at the home of the Butler family in Park Road, Monmouth, between June 26 and July 12 while they were away on holiday.

When they returned home, they discovered that their Audi TT worth £10,000 had been taken from the drive and their home had been broken into. Among the items taken were a Fabergé egg, a silver necklace and £330 and $300 in cash and coins.

Prosecutor Timothy Evans said: “This was an organised team going to particular places for particular vehicles and they were travelling.”

The trial continues.