33 Land Rover Defenders stolen across regions lead to jail terms

Gang jailed after 33 Land Rover Defenders stolen across multiple counties

A gang who stole 33 Land Rover Defenders worth more than £600,000 across several counties between September 2024 and May 2025 have been jailed, Hereford Crown Court heard, the prosecution confirmed following sentencing.

The four men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal vehicles and received custodial sentences on Friday. The thefts took place in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Powys, with additional incidents in Bath, Sussex, Devon and Cornwall.

West Mercia Police said the Defenders were taken from locations including Malvern, Bromyard, Droitwich, Leominster, Tenbury Wells, Suckley, Kingsland and Storridge. Officers linked the suspects to the offences through automatic number plate recognition and mobile phone evidence.

Police launched Operation Liondale after Jimmy Butler’s arrest in November 2025. Distinctive clothing seen on CCTV was found in Butler’s caravan, the force said.

Leonard Hodgkins, 50, of Marlborough Gardens, Malvern, was sentenced to four years and nine months. Jimmy Butler, 42, of Waterside Park, Offerton Lane, Worcester, received four years, one month and six days. Benjamin Hobbs, 36, of Beesmoor Road, Bristol, was jailed for four years and eight months, and David Hodgkins, 41, of The Furlong, Powick, received three years.

Police said Hobbs owned a workshop in Bristol that was being used as a “chop shop” where stolen vehicles were dismantled for parts. Parts from the stolen Land Rovers were recovered at that site, some identified by owners and others confirmed using keys found concealed in vehicles.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The court convictions follow a multi-force investigation that tied vehicle movements and communications to the four defendants. Evidence cited by police included CCTV images, clothing found at a suspect’s caravan, automatic number plate recognition data and mobile phone records showing convoy movements with stolen vehicles.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• 33 Land Rover Defenders stolen between September 2024 and May 2025 across several counties
• Stolen vehicles valued at more than £600,000
• Four men pleaded guilty and received prison sentences after Operation Liondale investigation