Copyright manchestereveningnews
Cocky van bandits who stole expensive power tools from builders' vehicles joked about ordering a Subway sandwich once released from police custody. But the gang are now all starting prison sentences after one dropped a plastic water bottle at the scene of a crime. The bottle carried the DNA of one of the group, Thomas Stokes. Shortly after, Edward Stokes was identified via facial recognition technology, while Christopher Stokes was identified through the Police National Database. A surveillance operation was then launched and on July 7, and all three men, believed to be form the same extended family, were arrested after police boxed in their car at junction 22 of the M6, north of Warrington. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE A search was carried out at a holiday site in North Wales, where officers recovered five stolen caravans and a van containing hundreds of stolen tools. Two stolen motor vehicles, one from London and one from Cheshire, were also recovered. The gang were responsible for at least 19 crimes - 17 in Cheshire and two in Greater Manchester. In Cheshire they targeted car parks at pubs, supermarkets, and golf courses. In Greater Manchester they struck at Leigh Sports Village and Morrisons supermarket nearby. During questioning all three suspects answered no comment to all of the questions put to them by officers. The trio even joked about what Subway they were going to order from once released when being booked into custody. Despite their silence, Thomas, Edward and Christopher, were all charged in relation to the thefts and remanded in custody. Thomas Stokes, 29, Edward Stokes, 26, and Christopher Stokes, 19, all appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 6 November where they were sentenced to more than 8 years in prison. Thomas, of Scott Street, Leigh, was jailed for 40 months; Edward, of Oxford Street, Leigh, was sentenced to 42 months; and Christopher, of Waterside, Peartree Bridge, Milton Keynes, was jailed for 20 months. The trio had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft at an earlier hearing. The case began in June 2025 when officers from Western Proactive CID became aware of a series of thefts from motor vehicles in the western area of Cheshire. On each occasion the offenders forced entry into vans and stole high value power tools. An investigation into the incidents was launched and as part of enquiries officers gathered a catalogue of evidence including CCTV footage, ANPR data and forensics. Their downfall began with the recovery of the water bottle. Following their sentencing , Constable Ed Whalley of Northwich CID said: “This has been a complex investigation, and I welcome the sentences that have been handed to Thomas, Edward, and Christopher. “It has been clear throughout our enquiries that the trio were part of an organised crime gang who were travelling across the region to conduct their offences. The gang specifically targeted high value tools, with the intent of selling the items on to others. During our investigation, we have been able to link the gang to at least 17 incidents in Chester, Northwich, Winsford, Tarporley, and two in Greater Manchester. “The men truly believed that they were above the law and thought they had committed the perfect crime. “Thankfully, as a result of our investigation, we were able to bring their crime spree to a swift conclusion, and recover more than £65,000 worth of tools, along with five stolen caravans and two stolen cars. All of the stolen items have since been returned to their rightful owners where possible. “I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide some reassurance to the victims and also act as a warning to others who are planning to commit crime in Cheshire.”
