Pair targeted land rovers in a year-long crime spree across west sussex and hampshire
LEWES, England – Two men who orchestrated a series of keyless vehicle thefts across Sussex and Hampshire have been sentenced following a comprehensive police investigation, May 8.
Aaron Moth, 34, of Yapton, and Sean Owen, 36, of Worthing, admitted their involvement in a conspiracy to steal and receive stolen vehicles, specifically targeting high-value Land Rovers from January 2020 to December 2021.
How they stole the vehicles
The court heard how Owen, a former mechanic, conducted online searches on hacking keyless entry systems, while Moth, a former roofer, was linked through evidence including a dropped mobile phone at the scene of one theft. The phone revealed additional planned thefts and connected the pair in a wider criminal conspiracy.
Their crimes included the theft of seven vehicles from locations including Brighton Road in Lancing, Lyminster Road in Littlehampton, and Hunts Pond Road in Fareham. A notable incident occurred when victims tracked a stolen vehicle to Littlehampton and confronted the suspects, identifying Moth in the process.
Court outcomes
At Lewes Crown Court, Moth was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and receive stolen goods. Owen, who admitted conspiracy to receive stolen goods, received a one-year suspended sentence. He must also complete 12 months of alcohol dependency treatment, 10 rehabilitation sessions, and pay £949 in costs and surcharges.
Police response and prevention advice
Detective Inspector Louise Baileff of Sussex Police said, “Moth and Owen were targeting keyless entry vehicles by overriding onboard systems. This type of crime leaves a significant emotional and financial toll on victims. Our team worked diligently to expose their operations and bring them to justice.”
Baileff added that while some vehicles were recovered, victims faced stress, transportation challenges, and rising insurance costs. She advised vehicle owners to use Faraday bags for key fobs and steering wheel locks to deter theft, and urged the public to report suspicious behavior.
