Burglars jailed over spate of raids across Derbyshire’s High Peak

Police received a series of calls relating to seven break-ins across Glossop, Chapel-En-Le-Frith and Whaley Bridge overnight on Tuesday 12 November, 2024.

Derbyshire Police said that after forcing their way into the properties, the burglars managed to steal car keys and made off with an Audi and a Mini Cooper during the overnight raid. A woman’s handbag and a backpack was also taken.

Officers launched an investigation and the Mini Cooper was recovered after being found dumped close to Sickleholme Petrol Station in Bamford.

Two men - Renars Darkevics and Daniel McCormick – were also spotted on CCTV entering the petrol station around the same time.

Analysis of phone records shows messages involving Darkevics which read ‘nicked the other day’ and ‘for the Mini I got’, ‘they had CCTV of me and Daniel in (the) petrol station’.

Both were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and admitted the offences.

Renars Darkevics (25) of Attleboro Road, Manchester was jailed for five years and three months. Daniel McCormick (22) of no fixed abode was jailed for four years and 10 months

The investigation was led by Derbyshire Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Acquisitive Crime Team (NACT).

Police Constable Melissa Hill said: “They brazenly thought they could break into as many people’s homes and vehicles as they could to reap the financial rewards and remain undetected.

“But we managed to make sure that this was not to be the case and they were brought to justice thanks to the hard-work and dedication of the investigation team, coupled with the support of the victims.

“Burglary can have far-reaching consequences for victims and we take this type of offence very seriously here in Derbyshire.

“The jailing of these two should serve as a warning to other criminals that we simply won’t stand for these kind of offences.”