Three men found guilty of rural theft offences

Three men from Northampton have been found guilty of rural theft offences following incidents in 2019 and 2020.

Between November 2, 2019, and May 18, 2020, Leroy Paul Lovatt, 44, previously of Holyrood Road, Northampton, and Mark Daniel Rogers, 36, of no fixed abode, committed several thefts at Whilton Locks, Fawsley, Flore, Milton Malsor, Harlestone, Hanging Houghton, Pitsford, Winwick, Chapel Brampton, Barton Seagrave, and central Northampton, targeting rural communities and building sites where they stole plant machinery, tools, and trailers. 

During this period, Richard Whiteoak, 33, previously of Fitzsewin Court, Northampton, admitted to handling a stolen Ford Ranger vehicle which had been taken from a farmer’s field.

Evidence uncovered during the investigation showed that Lovatt and Rogers had planned these offences meticulously, showing the organised nature of their criminal enterprise, and in total, the goods they stole were worth approximately £180,000.

All three offenders were initially charged with conspiracy to steal.

Following an 11-day trial which ended on Monday, (June 26), Lovatt and Rogers were unanimously found guilty by a jury at Northampton Crown Court. Whiteoak entered a guilty plea mid-trial to the offence of handling stolen goods and this was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Lead Investigator – PC Mark Edkins said: “This investigation was long and complex, and it required a real team effort to bring the case to court.

“The guilty verdict is pleasing to see and hopefully this will provide reassurance to rural communities that we take your crimes seriously. 

“This is a great result for the people of Northamptonshire as it means that there are three less thieves looking to steal people’s hard earned possessions.

“This case highlights our continued commitment to tackle theft related offences and it reiterates the message to thieves – your actions will not be tolerated, and we will pursue offenders relentlessly.

“It is also a timely reminder for the public to review their security particularly at rural locations and to consider installing CCTV and documenting serial numbers of plant vehicles/tools.”

All three men will be sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on September 15, 2023.

From left to right: Lovatt, Rogers, Whiteoak.