Six members of one family sentenced over car-part theft in Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham

The men, who live in north London and Enfield were sentenced to more than 13 years' imprisonment between them on Friday (November 7) at Harrow Crown Court after pleading guilty at the same court on August 5.

Gerard, 31, Martin, 37, and Michael, 31, McDonagh were sentenced to three years imprisonment for conspiring to steal catalytic converters from motor vehicles.

Micheal McDonagh

Kevin McDonagh, aged 19, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and Joseph McDonagh, aged 31, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the same offence.

Joseph McDonagh

And John McDonagh, aged 32, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for four counts of theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles.

The group, described by police as an 'organised and sophisticated crime syndicate' were involved in complex theft of the car parts in boroughs including Bexley Greenwich and Lewisham for over a year.

Officers from Bexley joined an investigation headed by Brent police, tracking down the McDonagh family through surveillance work, forensic evidence and CCTV.

John McDonagh

Inspector Paul Sanders from Bexley Borough, where some of the theft took place said: "I'm delighted that this gang who have been stealing catalytic converters and causing misery across that capital have been brought to justice.

"The investigation used old fashion policing tactics, combined with modern day policing methods, which should send out a clear message to people who engage in this type of criminal activity - you will be pursued and put before the courts.

"I would like to thank all of the policing teams who were involved in this case, it was a complete team effort by all of the officers, and had it not been for their tenacity then the gang may never have been identified."