Prolific burglars in Canvey crash jailed for more than 13 years

The thieves were Thomas Davis, Alan Clough, Steve Watts and Harry Fenwick and throughout 2016, the suspects were connected to more than 13 incidents of burglary and motor vehicle theft.

Davis, 38, who was already serving a prison sentence at the time of this latest trial, even shared images of the cars – including a Bentley – he stole on his Facebook account.

He was tracked by police in another of these stolen cars in August 2016 before crashing into a building in Canvey.

Crash - Davis crashed a stolen vehicle in Canvey (Image: Essex Police)

The defendants eventually pleaded guilty and, on Friday, February 2, were sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Det Sgt Jonathan Stephenson said: “These burglars targeted innocent people across our county for their financial gain.

“They now face a total of more than 13 years behind bars.

“Their crimes have had a devastating impact on their victims, both in the value of the items they have lost and the psychological impact being a victim of crime can have.”

Theft - Davis in the stolen vehicle prior to the crash (Image: Essex Police)

High value items were taken from the victims homes including cash, jewellery and televisions, with the thieves also stealing several items of high sentimental value.

Steven Watts, 36, in prison at the time of sentencing, received five years and four months in prison for conspiracy to commit burglary.

Alan Clough, 32, also in prison for a separate offence at the time of sentencing, received four years and one month in prison for conspiracy to commit burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

Davis received three years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to commit burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and the theft of a motor vehicle. He will serve this sentence consecutively to the sentence he is currently service for a separate offence.

Spree - Davis in another stolen vehicle (Image: Essex Police)

Harry Fenwick, 36, of Markhams in Stanford-le-Hope, was given a two-year sentence suspended for two years, given 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work.

Det Sgt Stephenson added: “The work of the officers in this complex case was exemplary – it highlights the lengths we will go to make sure we get justice for burglary victims in Essex, regardless of how long ago the offences occurred.

“It’s working as well – we solved more burglaries in the year to December 2023 than the year before, and we are working hard to solve even more.”