Footage Captures High-Speed Police Chase of Attempted Distillery Heist Worth Over $100,000 in Alcohol
(Photo: West Midland Police/YouTube)
A group of alleged thieves attempted to make off with £80,000 (over $100,000) worth of gin, rum and champagne in a trailer truck (lorry). West Midlands Police released footage yesterday of the moment the five thieves were intercepted after a high-speed chase on Sept. 8, 2023.
The heist was reported to have been “extensively planned” and targeted Cornish Rock Distillery in Cornwall. The distillery is known for its Cornish Rock Gin and Rum and produces numerous expressions. Cornish Rock Distillery is also the brand behind Brexit Supporter Nigel Farage’s gin brand which brought the distillery much unwanted attention for the boozy political statement.
After the thieves managed to loot thousands of dollars worth of alcohol from Cornish Rock Distillery, they fled in a getaway truck. The vehicle was spotted on the M5 with cloned plates and tracked onto the M42. Police strung into action and a high-speed chase ensued. In the thieves’ attempt to get away, the group rammed their truck into cars and swerved through oncoming traffic. The pursuit left four people injured.
The police managed to thwart the thieves’ escape, eventually stopping the getaway vehicle and tackling the driver as he attempted to flee on foot.
As reported by DailyMail, Inspector Sion Hathaway, from Central Motorway Police Group, said: “Our officers are highly trained at driving in unpredictable and dangerous situations.
“They continually assess any pursuit to determine risk to the subject vehicle and other road users.
“The driver of the lorry had only one aim, which was to avoid capture, no matter the cost to other members of the public.
“We were assisted by the National Police Air Service to bring the incident to conclusion as safely as possible.
“The brave actions of my staff are a reminder of how police officers don’t hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public.
“Had the officers not taken positive action to stop this vehicle the consequences could have been catastrophic.
“The serious injuries suffered by two officers left them in severe pain and needing lengthy treatment, which they are continuing to recover from today.
“I applaud their actions on the day which no doubt prevented potential injury to members of the public.”
The group appeared before the Birmingham Crown Court. Getaway Driver, 40-year-old Adam Leek received a five-year and eight-month jail sentence after admitting to conspiracy to commit burglary, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker, dangerous driving, disqualified driving and without insurance. The 29-year-old, front passenger Sam Hall admitted to conspiracy to commit burglary and possession of a class B drug resulting in a 31-month jail sentence.
The three other individuals, James Delaney, 37, Joshua Selvey, 23, and Reiss Crombie, 32 also will spend time in jail for conspiracy to commit burglary. They received a 33-, 28- and 28-month sentence respectively. Delaney did not appear in court and there is a warrant for his arrest.
In addition to the burglary, police said the thieves left behind thousands of dollars worth of damages at the Cornwall distillery.
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