Ronnie Beckett, 22, has received a total six-and-a-half-year prison sentence after a series of motorcycle and moped thefts. He pleaded guilty to nine of the 11 charges against him at Lewes Crown Court on September 24. The individual sentences will run concurrently, leaving him with two years to serve in custody.

The thefts took place from June 13 to November 2, 2024, in Crawley, Gatwick, Horsham and Redhill, Surrey. The vehicles were taken from victims’ workplaces in all but two incidents, severely affecting their ability to travel to and from work. Sussex Police linked Beckett to the offences using a combination of CCTV footage and witness statements.

PC Michelle Robinson of Gatwick CID said Beckett had caused problems for the local community for a considerable time, although proving his involvement had been difficult. Police said the great majority of the vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners, but many required extensive repairs. Robinson urged theft victims to keep reporting incidents, stressing how important motorcycles and mopeds can be for people travelling to and from employment.