Suffolk Pair Jailed for Mass of Car Thefts

Wednesday, 21 January 2026 06:00

Two men from East Suffolk have been jailed for their roles in an organised series of keyless entry car thefts across Suffolk and Norfolk.

Jeffrey McKeown, 39, from Bungay, and Charlie Souter, 28, from Beccles, were sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. McKeown was jailed for four years and five months, while Souter received a sentence of three years and nine months.

The case followed a police investigation launched after a series of thefts involving cars with keyless push-start ignition systems. Vehicles targeted included Ford Fiesta STs, Ford Focus STs, Ford Kugas, Ford C-Maxes and Range Rover models.

Offences began in late 2020 and continued for several months, with thefts taking place across Suffolk and Norfolk. Some of the stolen vehicles were later recovered in Kent and Essex. Police say 15 vehicles were stolen in total, with a further nine attempted thefts. The combined value of the vehicles was estimated at around £420,000.

Investigators found that once stolen, some vehicles were dismantled for parts, which were then fitted to other cars and sold on. Others were used by the offenders while displaying false or stolen number plates.

Searches linked to the investigation uncovered stolen vehicle parts at properties and land connected to McKeown, along with quantities of cocaine and cannabis. McKeown also admitted drugs offences.

Police say the case highlights the risk to owners of keyless entry vehicles and are urging drivers to use additional security measures, including signal-blocking pouches for car keys, to help prevent theft.