Keegan was in one of the cars he stole and was part of the theft kit. (Image: GMP)
A prolific thief used high-tech spy equipment to disable people’s home security and attempt to steal expensive cars.
Damon Keegan, 33, was found in possession of a radio frequency jammer, a sophisticated tool that can block mobile phone and Wi-Fi signals.
When Keegan was arrested on November 22, 2023, he was found in possession of a radio frequency jamming device, a sophisticated tool commonly used by criminals, that can block mobile phone and Wi-Fi signals. It was done.
Keegan committed several crimes over a 12-month period, stealing expensive cars worth a total of around £350,000.
He used a variety of methods to steal cars, all of which were invasive and left his victims feeling unsafe in their homes.
On one occasion in Knutsford in May 2023, Keegan was disturbed by the sound of an early morning alarm. In his haste to leave, he left behind a radio frequency jamming device identical to the one confiscated from Keegan during his arrest. Forensic testing of the device also identified DNA from Keegan.
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Theft kit used in the stolen Audi (Image: GMP)
In October 2023 in Rim, a black BMW X5 was stolen from a driveway. Keegan cut off the Wi-Fi to prevent the owner from being notified by the doorbell camera and broke into the house to steal the keys.
During the course of the investigation, police discovered a garage near Mr Keegan’s home address that was believed to have been used solely for the preparation of robbery crimes. Items recovered include a backpack containing a lock-picking set, empty car keys, a spy camera, a sledgehammer, a blowtorch, replacement footwear, clothing, an axe, and several Apple Air Tags. I did.
His thefts targeted expensive cars across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: ‘In August 2023, Greater Manchester Police launched an active investigation following several thefts of high-value cars in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire.
Keegan stole cars worth £350,000 in one year. (Image: GMP)
“Proactive operations by our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit led to the identification of several potentially linked robberies and sightings of stolen luxury vehicles, and Damon Keegan was identified as a potential suspect. Detectives from our Serious Organized Crime Group were deployed to investigate the crime. Surveillance operations were authorized to gather evidence and information.
“Damon Keegan (born May 11, 1992), of Woodland View, Hyde, appeared at Minshull Street at Manchester Crown Court today (Friday, September 27). He was charged with seven counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, eight counts of theft of a motor vehicle, one count of preparing to commit theft, and three counts of handling stolen goods and dangerous driving.
“He has been sentenced to six years and 11 months in prison.”
Keegan has committed several robberies while on electronic monitoring system (EMS) and under a 7pm to 7am curfew. He nevertheless incriminated himself further by stealing an Audi A3 from an address in Timperley and Audi S3s from Congleton and Stockport.
A review of EMS data revealed that Keegan was not home during curfew hours at the time of the robbery.
Radio frequency jamming device found in Keegan. (Image: GMP)
Detective Constable Holden, from our Serious Organized Crime Group, said: ‘Keegan is a prolific thief with a string of similar convictions in the past, stealing luxury cars worth £300,000 in the space of 12 months. Their methods are invasive and destructive, often breaking into people’s homes while they’re sleeping, then waking up to find their cars gone and their homes ransacked before they go to work. I was no longer able to take my children to school.
“This was a major investigation that involved cross-border and collaboration with neighboring forces to connect Keegan’s crimes and ensure he faced the consequences of all his crimes.” has had a financial and psychological impact on the victim. This proves that no matter what steps you take to hide your crime, we will do everything in our power to make sure you are behind bars. I hope it’s something.
“Ultimately, the case presented by this investigative team was so overwhelming that Keegan had no choice but to plead guilty.”
