Full Breakdown
Four Men Jailed for Theft of 33-34 Land Rover Defenders
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The Theft Spree and Convictions
Between September 2024 and May 2025 a gang stole a fleet of Land Rover Defenders from locations in Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Powys. The vehicles, valued at more than £600,000, were taken in a series of coordinated thefts. On September 18 the men were sentenced at Hereford Crown Court to a combined term of over 15 years: Leonard Hodgkins, 50, received four years nine months; Jimmy Butler, 41, three years eight months; Benjamin Hobbs, 35, four years four months; and David Hodgkins, 40, three years.
Investigation and Evidence
West Mercia Police launched Operation Liondale after Butler’s arrest in November 2025. Officers found distinctive clothing matching CCTV images inside Butler’s caravan and seized mobile phones that recorded convoy movements using a blue Toyota Yaris and a red Volkswagen Golf. The stolen Defenders were transported to a Bristol workshop owned by Hobbs, which functioned as a “chop shop.” Parts, documentation and a jacket from one of the vehicles were recovered from the workshop.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the sentences demonstrate a commitment to protecting the affected communities.
Data and Impact
- Vehicles stolen: 33 or 34 Defenders (sources differ)
- Estimated value: > £600,000
- Total custodial time: > 15 years across four defendants
- Convicted individuals: Leonard Hodgkins, Jimmy Butler, Benjamin Hobbs, David Hodgkins
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The number of stolen Defenders is reported as 33 in some outlets and 34 in others, reflecting an unresolved discrepancy in the official tally. Details on how many vehicles were ultimately recovered or the exact financial loss to owners remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was a complex but ultimately successful investigation that tracked down and prosecuted this gang of car thieves, so we are pleased to get these sentences today as their criminality harmed many people in our force area and neighbouring forces too.” — Detective Sergeant Mark Jones, of Hereford Reactive CID