By Shawn Henry 
Three men have been sentenced to prison after authorities in Birmingham, England, linked them to the theft of nearly £2 million, or roughly $2.7 million, worth of vehicles during an eight-month crime spree. Callum James, 24, Jack Bardini, 18, and Deche Luton-Howe, 25, were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on February 12 for their roles in a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts that took place between August 2024 and April 2025.
West Midlands Police said the group targeted high-end vehicles by breaking into homes, stealing car keys, and driving away in the vehicles. Investigators reported that the suspects installed false number plates on the stolen cars in an effort to avoid detection. During the investigation, police recovered video footage the men recorded of themselves during the crimes. The footage showed James and Bardini filming as they entered properties, posing beside a stolen BMW, removing its number plates, and driving the vehicle in circles. Authorities said Luton-Howe supplied the fraudulent number plates used on the stolen cars.
Prosecutors brought more than 100 combined offenses against the group. James pleaded guilty to 75 counts, including conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, and conspiracy to conceal criminal property. Bardini admitted to 31 counts of the same charges. Luton-Howe pleaded guilty to possession and control of articles for use in fraud, as well as making and supplying articles for fraud related to the counterfeit plates.
James was sentenced to nine years in prison. Bardini received six years and nine months. Luton-Howe was sentenced to two years and three months. Authorities said the investigation dismantled the group’s operation and brought the theft spree to an end.
Eve Nowell 
John Lloyd