Two jailed after a spate of High Peak burglaries

Two burglars who targeted homes and vehicles across the High Peak have been jailed following a series of overnight break-ins. 

Police were called to seven burglaries in Glossop, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Whaley Bridge during the night of Tuesday 12th November 2024, after offenders forced entry into properties and stole car keys before making off with an Audi and a Mini Cooper. A handbag and backpack were also stolen during the raids. 

An investigation was launched by Derbyshire Constabulary, with the stolen Mini Cooper later recovered in Bamford. CCTV footage showed two men - Renars Darkevics and Daniel McCormick - entering the petrol station around the same time. 

Phone record analysis later uncovered messages linked to Darkevics which referenced the thefts and CCTV footage, including “nicked the other day”, “for the Mini I got” and “they had CCTV of me and Daniel in (the) petrol station.” 

One victim described the lasting impact of the burglary, saying: “It took me a very long time to feel comfortable in a home that I love. Your home should be your safe space and no-one should be able to break into it for their own gain.” 

Both men were arrested, with McCormick giving a no comment interview while Darkevics admitted being at the petrol station. 

The pair were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and later admitted the offences. 

Darkevics, 25, of Attleboro Road, Manchester, was jailed for five years and three months. McCormick, 22, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison. 

The investigation was led by Derbyshire Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Acquisitive Crime Team (NACT). 

PC Melissa Hill said: “They brazenly thought they could break into as many people’s homes and vehicles as they could to reap the financial rewards and remain undetected. 

“But we managed to make sure that this was not to be the case and they were brought to justice thanks to the hard work and dedication of the investigation team, coupled with the support of the victims. 

“Burglary can have far-reaching consequences for victims and we take this type of offence very seriously here in Derbyshire. The jailing of these two should serve as a warning to other criminals that we simply won’t stand for these kinds of offences.”