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Trio Jailed for Regional Tool-Theft Spree After DNA on Water Bottle Led Police

Forensic evidence linked the Stokes relatives to van raids across CheshireGreater Manchester.

Overview

  • Chester Crown Court sentenced Thomas Stokes, 29, Edward Stokes, 26, and Christopher Stokes, 19, to 40, 42 and 20 months respectively.
  • Police say the investigation recovered more than £65,000 in stolen tools along with five caravans and two vehicles.
  • Officers arrested the trio on 7 July after stopping their car at M6 junction 22 following DNA from a discarded water bottle implicating Thomas.
  • Detectives also used CCTV, ANPR, facial recognition and the Police National Database to corroborate involvement across at least 19 offences.
  • The men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft, with stolen items returned to owners where possible.