Dodgy dealers who ran stolen Mini garage in Horton Kirby jailed for six-and-a-half years

Stephen Fiddimore, of Sheerwater in Longfield, and Sam Metten, from Basildon in Essex, were caught after police raided six addresses in Horton Kirby, Gravesend, Dartford, Crayford, Longfield and Basildon on April 28 last year - and uncovered 13 stolen Minis.

The warrants were carried out at Oakview Stud Farm, Lombard Street in Horton Kirby; lock-ups in Cross Lane West, Gravesend; Carrington Road, Dartford; and Crayford Way, Crayford; and both men's home addresses.

Even their own cars were found to be stolen and cloned, whilst the eBay business dealt exclusively in classic Minis and their vehicle parts.

Fiddimore, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles but Metten, 28, denied his crimes - and was found guilty after a week-long trial.

Fiddimore was jailed for three-and-a-half years, and Metten for three.

The pair hotwired the vehicles, and detectives believe they may have been responsible for more than 40 thefts across London, Kent and Essex between August 2014 and May last year.

Detective Inspector Caroline Clooney, of the Met’s Organised Vehicle Crime Unit, said: "These men systematically targeted the owners of classic Minis across the south east.

"Many of the vehicles had been lovingly restored and were the owners’ pride and joy.

"Discovering that their cars had been stolen obviously caused them much distress and inconvenience.

“I am pleased with the sentences handed down and hope it sends out a message that the Met is serious about tackling car crime and will always seek to destroy the activities of individuals involved in it."

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