Croydon burglars convicted after taunting police (From Your Local Guardian)

Croydon burglars convicted after taunting police

3:57pm Monday 6th September 2010 in

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A gang of prolific burglars who posted rap tunes on YouTube taunting the police about their success, have been jailed.

One of the thugs, who left messages on the mobile phone of the investigating officer saying they would not be caught by Christmas, was arrested on December 23.

When the six gangsters from Croydon were caught, the burglary rate in the borough plummeted to an average of one overnight burglary per week.

They were sentenced to a total of nine years in prison at Croydon Crown Court on Friday.

The leader, Matthew Murtagh, 20, left messages on the phone of the investigating officer saying: “You'll never find me.” and “I'll be celebrating Christmas with my mates.”

He was arrested two days before Christmas, hiding out at a B&B.

The criminals called themselves the Night Crawlers and put up the videos under the name 'NC Bangers' featuring members boasting about their exploits, hailing themselves as 'notorius [sic] criminals' who would never be caught.

The youths targeted residential homes, swooping late at night when their victims were fast asleep and stole high performance cars with their keys.

Impact statements read out in court showed the gang’s victims are still dealing with the trauma of being burgled. One mother is fearful for her family's safety and she is afraid to stay alone in her own house at night.

Acting detective inspector Lee Hill, of the London Crime Squad said: "These sentences demonstrate the Met's commitment to tackling these offences. Burglary is a heinous crime, which can have a devastating impact on its victims. Those responsible should be in no doubt of our resolve to arrest them and bring them to justice.”

Murtagh, from Brighton Road, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle, conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and index plates and handling stolen goods was sentenced to three years and two months in prison.

Michael Hunte, 19, of Old Lodge Lane, Kenley, was sentenced to a total of two years, six months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to burgle .

Lee I'Anson, 20, of Haling Park Road, was given a non-custodial sentence after pleading guilty to handling stolen goods.

Kevin McBarron, 20, of Eldridge Road, was sentenced to 18 months after pleading guilty to handling stolen property, which included two Mercedes.

Daryl Axten, 20, of Caterham Drive, Coulsdon, was sentenced to 12 months after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary.

Christopher Brookes, 19, of Court Road, Caterham was sentenced to 12 months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.