Adam Purcell, Michael Berry and Michael McGuire (Image: North Wales Police)
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A gang of four who conspired to break into homes across north-east Wales – deliberately targeting elderly and vulnerable residents – have been sentenced to a combined total of almost 10 years.
How the gang operated
Over a five-month period beginning in January 2025, the group carried out a series of six burglaries across Wrexham and Flintshire, making off with thousands of pounds in cash alongside jewellery and watches of sentimental value.
North Wales Police’s Priority Crime Team launched Operation Venom to investigate the conspiracy, uncovering a pattern of calculated offending. The gang would first identify and follow their victims before returning days later to target their properties. They used cloned registration plates on their vehicles and switched off their mobile phones during each break-in to try to evade detection.
When confronted by some of their elderly victims, the group attempted to pass off their actions by claiming they were searching for a missing cat.
The burglaries
The conspiracy began in early January 2025 when an elderly couple in their late 80s from Broughton, Flintshire, were watched while out shopping and followed home. Four days later, on 13 January, their property was ransacked in front of them and almost £5,000 in cash was taken.
Weeks later, a woman in her late 80s from Penycae, Wrexham, was followed home on the bus. Three days after that, burglars entered her home while she dozed in her living room, stealing sentimental jewellery, watches, and £300 in cash.
On 13 February, the gang broke through a rear window at a property in Gobowen, Shropshire, which they had previously scoped out. Cash, watches, and jewellery were stolen. That same evening, another address nearby in Chirk, Wrexham, was targeted while the occupants were out – the gang taking £3,500 in cash, watches, and a car key.
A fifth break-in followed in Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham, where the victim watched masked intruders breaking into his home via his CCTV phone app while he was out shopping. A neighbour who went to check on the property saw the gang flee with over £6,000 worth of jewellery and £100 in cash. The vehicle used was later scrapped in an attempt to destroy evidence.
In early May, the group prepared for their final offence by collecting a car and parking it near the victim’s address in Malpas, Wrexham. The following day they smashed through the patio door, stealing a watch and a set of house keys. They then attempted to alter the appearance of the vehicle to avoid detection.
Arrests and sentencing
On 12 June 2025, officers executed warrants at the suspects’ homes and all four were arrested. Each subsequently admitted conspiring to commit burglary with intent to steal.
All four appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday 30 April.
Adam Purcell, 37, of HMP Berwyn, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison. Michael McGuire, 51, of HMP Berwyn, received two years and 11 months. Michael Berry, 26, of HMP Berwyn, was sentenced to three years. Anne Delaney, 36, of Moss Road, Wrexham, was given a 23-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years.
Superintendent Mark Williams, eastern area commander, said: “This ruthless organised crime gang targeted a number of innocent families – some who were extremely vulnerable – stealing cash and sentimental family jewellery for their own financial gain.
“I do not underestimate the devastating impact that intrusive crimes of this nature have on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting.
“I commend the efforts of all those involved in this comprehensive, complex investigation in securing today’s result, and I hope each of the victims, and local communities, feel some comfort that this gang now face a total of almost 10 years behind bars.
“I hope today’s result sends a clear message that burglary will not be tolerated by North Wales Police, and we will continue to target offenders and stop them from preying on vulnerable members of our society.”
