Migrant gang stole £1m in gems watches handbags in UK spree

UK-Wide Burglary Spree Involves £1 Million Theft

A migrant gang of thieves stole £1 million worth of gems, luxury watches, and designer handbags in a UK-wide burglary spree.

The Albanian crew flaunted their criminal lifestyles on social media before facing court.

They claimed they moved to Britain for a “better life.”

Instead, they launched a 10-month reign of terror, targeting millionaire mansions in late-night raids.

Details of the Burglary Spree

In total, the thieves broke into 44 homes across eight counties in England.

They entered through first-floor windows and balconies using ladders.

Chester Crown Court heard they stole Rolex watches, gold jewelry, and high-end handbags.

Their victims included residents of Prestbury, Cheshire, a hotspot for millionaires and celebrities.

Social Media and Arrests

While victims were devastated, the gang posed with cash and stolen items on social media.

One image showed a burglar grinning with bundles of cash and stolen watches.

Another image featured two gang members beside a stolen safe.

The gang involved a British woman after one member started a romance with her.

Police Investigation

Detectives noticed a pattern in October 2024 after a series of similar burglaries in Cheshire.

Police linked the crimes using ANPR technology, spotting a red Ford Focus near multiple burglary scenes.

Phone checks revealed the gang met regularly in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter to plan their next hits.

DNA from one member was found at a burglary scene in Staffordshire.

Arrests and Seizures

The operation ended when police arrested the gang in coordinated dawn raids in Walsall, Sutton Coldfield, and Birmingham.

Cops seized 13 designer handbags, 14 watches worth nearly £17,000, and multiple mobile phones.

Messages contained Google Maps links to the burglary locations.

Officers believe most of the £1 million haul was sold, with only a small amount recovered.

Statements from Authorities

Detective Sergeant Laura Fox of Cheshire Police said the gang “gloated” about their crimes.

“This was a high-level organised crime gang responsible for at least 44 high-value burglaries across the UK,” she stated.

“They carefully researched their targets and set weekly goals for how much gold they wanted to steal.”

Gang Members and Sentencing

Endrit Nikolli, 27, George Lleshaj, 31, Krisjian Dedndreaj, 28, Kristian Gropcaj, 30, and Sidorjan Lleshi, 26, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to possess criminal property.

Nikolli’s girlfriend Jade Tubb, 33, also admitted conspiracy to possess criminal property.

All five are set to be sentenced in February and may face years in prison for their £1 million crime spree.