How prolific burglar used 'spy gadgets' to disarm security and enter homes to steal cars

A prolific burglar used high-tech spy gadgets to disable people's home security so he could steal their high-value cars.

Damon Keegan, 33, was found with a radio frequency jamming device which is a sophisticated tool capable of blocking mobile telephone and Wi-Fi signals.

When Keegan was arrested on November 22, 2023, he was found with a radio frequency jamming device which is a sophisticated tool often used by criminals, capable of blocking mobile telephone and Wi-Fi signals.

Over twelve months, Keegan committed several offences, racking up a total of almost £350,000 worth of high-value cars stolen.

He used a variety of methods to steal the cars, but each was intrusive and left victims feeling uneasy in their own homes.

On one occasion in Knutsford in May 2023, Keegan was disturbed by an alarm in the early hours of the morning. In a rush to leave, he left behind a radio frequency jammer, identical to the one seized from Keegan on arrest. A forensic examination of the device also identified DNA from Keegan.

In Lymm in October 2023, a black BMW X5 was stolen from a driveway. Keegan disconnected the Wi-Fi so the owner wouldn't get notified by their doorbell camera, and he broke into the house to steal the keys.

During the investigation, police discovered a garage near Keegan's home address which appeared to be used solely for the preparation of burglary offences. Items recovered included a rucksack containing lock picking sets, blank car keys, a spy camera, a sledgehammer, a blow torch, replacement footwear, clothing, an axe, and several Apple Air Tags.

His burglary spree targetted high-value cars across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "In August 2023, Greater Manchester Police launched a proactive investigation following several burglaries targeting high-value cars across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Derbyshire.

"Proactive work by our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit identified several burglaries and sightings of stolen luxury cars which appeared to be linked, and Damon Keegan was identified as a potential suspect. Detectives in our Serious Organised Crime Group were brought in to investigate the crimes, and a surveillance operation was authorised to gather evidence and intelligence.

"Damon Keegan (05/11/1992) of Woodland View, Hyde, appeared at Minshull Street, Manchester Crown Court today (Friday 27 September). He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle, seven counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary, eight counts of theft of motor vehicle, one count of going equipped to steal, and three counts of handling stolen goods and dangerous driving.

"He has been jailed for 6 years and 11 months."

On several occasions, Keegan committed the burglaries while he was subject to the Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) with a curfew between 7pm - 7am. Regardless, he stole an Audi A3 from an address in Timperley, and an Audi S3 from Congleton and Stockport, further incriminating himself.

Scrutiny of the EMS data identified that Keegan was not at home during the hours of his curfew when the burglaries had been committed.

Detective Constable Holden from our Serious Organised Crime Group said: "Keegan was a prolific burglar with a string of similar past convictions, who, over the space of twelve months stole over £300,000 worth of luxury cars. His methods were intrusive and ruinous, often breaking into people's houses whilst they slept, leaving them unable to get to work or take their children to school when they woke up to see their cars gone and homes tampered with.

"This was an extensive investigation which crossed borders and involved collaboration with neighbouring forces to link Keegan's crimes and ensure he faced consequences for all his offending. His crimes had significant financial and emotional impacts on our victims, and I hope this demonstrates that regardless of the steps you may take to conceal your offending, we will exhaust every line of enquiry to ensure you are put behind bars.

"Ultimately, the cases brought by the team in this investigation were so overwhelming, Keegan had no option but to plead guilty."