That's thieves who stole Mini parts, not thieves that are actually small by the way. In case you were wondering...
No, this is the story about two mean who have been jailed for stealing parts for classic Minis and then selling them online via the online selling platform eBay. They received a total of six and a half years, Stephen Fiddimore, 36 from Longfield, Kent pleaded guilty and received three and a half years in jail. Sam Metten, 28 from Basildon, Essex denied the offences but was sentenced to three years after a week-long trial. Both were sentenced at Inner London Court last Monday.
Stephen Fiddimore (left) and Sam Metten (right) face a combined six-and-a-half years behind bars.
The pair were caught after they were under investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Organised Vehicle Crime Unit. The two men ran an eBay business selling only classic Mini parts out of their lockup in Horton Kirby, Kent. Search warrants were issued to raid their lock-up and they were executed on April the 28th, 2015.
Not only did they discover the stolen Mini parts, but they also confiscated two cars from the defendants as they had also been stolen. They were convicted of taking a total of 13 cars although it is thought that the number may be closer to around 40.
Detective Inspector Caroline Clooney, of the Met’s Organised Vehicle Crime Unit, said: "These men systematically targeted the owners of classic Minis across the south east. Many of the vehicles had been lovingly restored and were the owners’ pride and joy.
"Discovering that their cars had been stolen obviously caused them much distress and inconvenience.
“I am pleased with the sentences handed down and hope it sends out a message that the Met is serious about tackling car crime and will always seek to destroy the activities of individuals involved in it."