Three burglars who targeted the homes of celebrities, including Manchester footballer Raheem Sterling, have been jailed.
The trio went on a burglary spree targeting at least 14 homes across England in just over a year stealing property to a total value of more than £600,000, police said.
City star Sterling’s mansion in Goostrey, Cheshire, was targeted by the gang in November 2018 - but they left empty-handed after being scared away when the alarm system was activated.
Ten days later, the three men checked into a hotel in Buckinghamshire, where they broke into Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay’s home.
The singer’s housekeeper noticed an upstairs window was open and found a camera had been stolen, a court heard.
Other homes targeted by the gang included the homes of Bury FC chairman Steve Dale and Mansfield Town FC owner John Radford.
Thomas Mee, 42, Vincent Ball, 52, and John Barlow, 58, all from Liverpool, were sentenced at Chester Crown Court this afternoon after admitting conspiracy to burgle.
Mee, of HMP Altcourse, who also admitted handling stolen goods, was jailed for eight years and seven months.
Getaway driver Ball, of Ranworth Place, Liverpool, was sentenced to six years and nine months, while Barlow, of no fixed address, was jailed for seven years and six months.
A spokesman from Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Ball, Barlow and Mee are all members of a sophisticated organised crime gang responsible for at least 14 burglaries across England.
“They showed an extreme level of forensic and digital awareness when committing the offences, demonstrating their determination to obtain hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of other people’s property and family heirlooms.
“A significant level of planning and preparation went into each burglary, with the trio travelling hundreds of miles to commit the offences and specifically targeting the homes of high-profile businessmen and women, footballers and celebrities.
“In these 14 incidents alone they caused damage and stole property to a total value of more than £600,000.”
The trio targeted the homes of high-profile celebrities and businessmen and women across Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire, Buckinghamshire and Warwickshire.
The court heard that they took jewellery, watches and handbags, photos of which were found on Mee's phone.
In October 2019, the burglars were disturbed while in the Prestbury home of Mr Dale.
Watches worth between £300,000 and £500,000 were dropped by the intruders as they were chased by Mr Dale’s son.
The trio left the property with only a £10 note.
Police were at the scene within minutes and Ball and Mee were arrested a short time later in Massey Street, Alderley Edge, where their getaway car was also found.
Inside the car, police found items including balaclavas, binoculars, crowbars and cloned number plates.
Barlow was arrested later that month.
During searches at the trio's Merseyside homes, officers discovered stolen items, a large quantity of cash and mobile phones.
The force spokesman added: “The impact of their crime spree should not be under-estimated. To know that criminals have been in your home – the place you should be able to feel most safe – rifled through your property and stole your personal possessions is sickening.
“While the majority of these incidents occurred when the victims were out, some burglaries took place while they were at home. To be subjected to such an ordeal must be absolutely terrifying and something that nobody should have to experience.
“I hope that these convictions provide some comfort and reassurance to the victims and allows them to move forward with their lives.”
