Sussex, UK — Two men involved in the theft of keyless entry vehicles across Sussex and Hampshire have been sentenced following a lengthy police investigation.
Aaron Moth, 34, and Sean Owen, 36, admitted to being part of a conspiracy to steal and resell vehicles—specifically targeting Land Rovers over a two-year period between January 2020 and December 2021.
The pair’s crimes were uncovered by Sussex Police detectives after multiple thefts occurred across West Sussex and Hampshire. Their actions were tied to the theft of at least seven vehicles from locations including Lancing, Littlehampton, Fareham, Worthing, Findon, Goring, and Horsham Road.
Owen, a former mechanic from Worthing, was initially stopped by police while driving a suspected stolen vehicle. A search of his property revealed he had been researching how to “hack” keyless entry systems. This evidence linked him to Moth, a former roofer from Yapton.
In one incident, victims tracked their stolen car to Littlehampton and confronted the suspects. During the confrontation, Moth dropped his phone, which contained further evidence of planned car thefts.
At Lewes Crown Court on May 8, Moth was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and conspiracy to receive stolen goods. Owen, who admitted to conspiracy to receive stolen goods, received a one-year suspended sentence, alongside 12 months of alcohol treatment, 10 rehabilitation sessions, £800 in court costs, and a £149 victim surcharge.
Detective Inspector Louise Baileff stated:
“Moth and Owen were targeting keyless entry vehicles by overriding onboard systems… Victims experienced stress, financial burden, and increased insurance costs… Our team worked diligently to ensure justice was served.”
Police remind residents to take precautions, such as using Faraday pouches for key fobs and steering wheel locks, and to report suspicious behavior to help prevent further thefts.
