Lithuanian gang jailed for burglary conspiracy

Three Lithuanian men have been jailed for a total of 21 years at Exeter Crown Court today (Tuesday 26 January) after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglaries in Devon and Sussex.

Tomas Paulavicius, 36 (pictured left), was sentenced to eight years in prison, Dainius Gastilavicius, 39 (centre), was given seven years, and Arturas Malysovas, 21 (pictured right), was sentenced to six years in prison.

Devon and Cornwall Police lead the lengthy investigation with Sussex Police, with offences being committed in South, Mid and East Devon, and Sussex.

The investigation began in 2014 after a series of specific burglaries were identified by Devon and Cornwall Police, in which UPVC door locks were snapped to enable the offenders to get into the property.

Detective Constable James Brice, based in Totnes, said: “The offenders, who were all living in East London, were identified by local officers.

“It became clear that this was national problem as the three men were part of an organised criminal gang travelling across the country committing similar offences.”

Twenty three victims of these specific types of burglaries where identified across Devon.

Once the offenders were identified, a joint investigation with Sussex Police began, resulting in the successful conviction at Exeter Crown Court. 

In June 2015 detectives launched a nationwide appeal to trace three potential victims of crime after memory cards were recovered during the investigation at Paulavicius’ home.

Photographs taken on holiday in Koh Sumai, Thailand, were released of potential victims officers were keen to identify. 

Following the successful appeal on social media, the woman in the photographs, from Lincolnshire, contacted police. She had been the victim of a burglary and was subsequently reunited with her stolen property.

DC Brice added: “This has been a complex and worthwhile investigation in which the Force has taken the lead nationally. Identifying the owner of the memory card assisted us in linking the offenders to the series of burglaries.    

“We are committed to supporting other Forces across the country who have also suffered similar offences which have potentially been committed by this criminal gang.

“This guilty verdict will bring some reassurance and peace of mind to the victims who suffered a very traumatic experience, and in some cases, lost sentimental valuables that have been irreplaceable.

“We will continue to strive to make our communities safe places to live and commit resources to these complex investigations in support of the criminal justice process.”