Three men have been jailed after pleading guilty to a series of thefts across Cheshire.

Thomas Stokes, 29, Edward Stokes, 26, and Christopher Stokes, 19, all appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 6 November, where they were sentenced to more than eight years in prison.

Thomas, of Scott Street, Lancashire was jailed for 40 months.

Edward, of Oxford Street, Leigh, was sentenced to 42 months, and Christopher, Milton Keynes, was jailed for 20 months.

The trio had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft at an earlier hearing.

The case began in June 2025 when officers from Western Proactive CID became aware of a series of thefts from motor vehicles in the western area of Cheshire.

On each occasion the offenders forced entry into vans and stole high value power tools.

An investigation into the incidents was launched and as part of enquiries officers gathered a catalogue of evidence including CCTV footage, ANPR data and forensics.

In early July, Thomas was identified as a suspect via DNA analysis from a water bottle recovered during the investigation.

Shortly after, Edward was identified via facial recognition technology, while Christopher was identified through the Police National Database.

An operation was undertaken on Monday 7 July, resulting in the arrest of all three men following a vehicle stop at junction 22 of the M6, north of Warrington.

Image of stolen tools located in van (Image via: Cheshire Constabulary)

A search was also undertaken at a holiday site in North Wales, where officers recovered five stolen caravans and a van containing hundreds of stolen tools.

Two stolen motor vehicles, one from London and one from Cheshire, were also recovered.

During questioning all three suspects answered no comment to all of the questions put to them by officers.

The trio joked about what Subway they were going to order from once released, when being booked into custody. Despite their silence, Thomas, Edward and Christopher, were all charged in relation to the thefts and remanded in custody.

Following the sentencing, Police Constable Ed Whalley, of Northwich Proactive CID, said: "This has been a complex investigation, and I welcome the sentences that have been handed to Thomas, Edward, and Christopher.

"It has been clear throughout our enquiries that the trio were part of an organised crime gang who were travelling across the region to conduct their offences.

"The gang specifically targeted high value tools, with the intent of selling the items on to others. During our investigation, we have been able to link the gang to at least 17 incidents in Chester, Northwich, Winsford, Tarporley, and two in Manchester.

"The men truly believed that they were above the law and thought they had committed the prefect crime. Thankfully, as a result of our investigation, we were able to bring their crime spree to a swift conclusion, and recover more than £65,000 worth of tools, along with five stolen caravans and two stolen cars.

"All of the stolen items have since been returned to their rightful owners where possible.

"I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide some reassurance to the victims and also act as a warning to others who are planning to commit crime in Cheshire."