Successful operation disrupts organised crime network, as four sentenced to 17 years

Four members of an organised crime network, which stole more than one million pounds worth of jewellery from London’s South Asian community, have been jailed for a total of 17 years and one month.

Three of the four men were caught red-handed by the Met as a result of a one-year, intelligence-led operation that spanned London and the Home Counties.

Jerry O’Donnell, 33, Barney Maloney, Quey Adger, 23 and Patrick Ward, 43, were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 11 July. They previously pleaded guilty to burglary.

In July 2024, O’Donnell, Maloney, Adger were detained while carrying stolen jewellery.

CCTV enquiries identified their car as being involved in multiple burglaries. Specialist officers acted quickly and pursued the vehicle while on the move, leading to a forced stop. The trio were arrested after officers found hundreds of items inside, including a gold wedding ring, gold necklaces and a solid gold hair pin.

Ward was arrested separately at his home address shortly after. Intelligence obtained during the investigation identified him as a member of the organised crime network with close links to the three men previously arrested.

Detective Sergeant Lee Davison, who led the Met’s proactive investigation, said: “This comprehensive operation enabled us to disrupt a key part of an organised crime network. As a result of the work conducted by specialist officers, a handful of serial criminals will now spend a substantial amount of time behind bars.

“While the monetary value of this crime is staggering, its sentimental worth is priceless. I hope these men spend a lot of time reflecting on the impact their actions have had on the community.”

Over the course of the investigation, Met officers also carried out a warrant at a jewellery shop in Hatton Garden where they believed stolen gold was being melted down and sold. There they recovered £50,000 in cash and eight kilos of jewellery.

The jewellery included items such as a World War One officer’s Rolex, a gold locket containing old pictures, an engraved gold ring, and a gold pocket watch from Harlow Bros Ltd.

While the most identifiable items were reunited with their rightful owners, after dozens of people came forward following a media appeal in March, detectives are still looking to identify the owners of the remaining jewellery and urge anyone who may have been a victim to contact police.

The items were stolen between December 2023 and July 2024 from properties across south London, including Croydon, Sutton and Wandsworth - as well as counties including Surrey, Sussex and Essex. These burglaries largely targeted the South Asian community throughout the capital.

Anyone who may have been a victim can contact the Met on 101, quoting 01/1113701/24.

Jerry O’Donnell, 33 (01.11.1991) of Old Maidstone Road, Sidcup was jailed for five years and three months.

Barney Maloney, 19 (13.10.2005) of Hovefields Avenue, Wickford was imprisoned for five years and three months.

Quey Adger, 23 (01.03.2001) of Hovefields Avenue, Wickford was jailed for five years and seven months.

Patrick Ward, 43 (10.06.1981) of Balham Grove, Balham was imprisoned for two years and five months.