Smirking Burglars Jailed After Flaunting Stolen Mercedes Cars on Social Media

Two burglars who boldly posed with stolen Mercedes car keys on social media have been sentenced to prison for their crimes. Thomas Wood, 24, and Connor Wrigley forced their way into a Cheshire home in the early hours of July 5, 2025, stealing keys to two Mercedes vehicles parked outside before fleeing in the cars.

The duo was quickly identified through CCTV and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) footage. They were apprehended in Salford on July 8 after ditching their route while heading toward Stockport. During the search of their property, officers recovered several mobile phones, designer clothing, and one set of stolen car keys hidden beneath a bedroom window.

Images and videos uncovered on their phones showed Wood proudly displaying the stolen keys while Wrigley attempted to sell the cars and was caught driving them. Investigations also linked a third man, Ryan Howarth, 22, to the crime. Howarth admitted to handling stolen property and assisted in transporting one of the stolen vehicles to West Yorkshire. One car was later found with cloned number plates in Dukinfield.

At Chester Crown Court, Wood received a sentence of two years and three months, while Wrigley was sentenced to four years after the activation of a previously suspended term. Howarth was given a 15-month sentence, suspended for two years.

PC Benjamin Dickinson of Cheshire Police emphasized the serious impact burglary has on victims, often shattering their sense of security and sometimes forcing them to relocate. Detective Sergeant Laura Fox from Macclesfield Proactive CID praised the investigation team’s efforts and stressed that those committing crimes in the region will face justice.

“This case highlights not only the brazen nature of these offenders but also our commitment to safeguarding our communities and delivering closure to victims,” she said.