Business Growth

A gang who raided businesses across the West Midlands in a 2.6 million crime spree called themselves the Sticky Bandits in reference to the burglars from the Home Alone Christmas films. The five-strong gang, from Wolverhampton, would spend hours at sites as they stole metal and other goods using heavy-duty plant and machinery belonging to the business targeted. Many were hit over the Christmas break when the gang thought the risk of being disturbed was lower. They filmed some of their raids on their own mobile phones, referring to themselves in one clip as the Sticky Bandits. Sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday (8 November), David Smith, 36, of Cannock Road, Lee Fletcher, 33, of Bunkers Hill Lane, and Royston Hallard, 30, of Coronation Road were all jailed for six years and four months. Adam Shakespeare, 31, of Harrowby Road was also jailed for six years and five months, while David Williams, 44, of Willenhall Road was jailed for three years and four months.