James Sheen, a notorious criminal mastermind, has been found guilty of orchestrating a crime spree across the south and east of England, amassing over £2.6 million. The criminal activities included blowing up cash machines, stealing high-value farm machinery, and raiding museums. One of the most audacious thefts carried out by Sheen's group was the heist at the Newmarket museum. Thames Valley Police have since obtained a confiscation order for a nominal sum of £1 against Sheen, enabling a parallel financial investigation into his activities. Despite the magnitude of his crimes, this order represents only a fraction of the total ill-gotten gains recovered from various criminals.
James Sheen's criminal undertakings are part of a broader pattern, where in 300 cases, criminals have collectively amassed over £300 million but have been ordered to repay merely 10% of that amount. Released on licence in 2017, halfway through serving a 14-year sentence for his involvement in a shooting incident that injured two bystanders, Sheen quickly returned to his life of crime. His release marked the beginning of another string of offenses, including the infamous Blenheim Palace heist.
The Blenheim Palace heist stands out as one of the most brazen thefts under Sheen's leadership. Exploiting significant security flaws at the historic site, Sheen's gang managed to steal a gold toilet valued at £2.8 million. At the time of the theft, gold prices alone indicated that the metal was worth £2.8 million. The court heard that the security measures at Blenheim Palace were insufficient, with no guards patrolling either the exhibition or the grounds.
Palace chief executive Dominic Hare commented on the audacious nature of the heist, reflecting on the oversight that led to such a significant loss.
Sheen was apprehended four weeks after the Blenheim Palace burglary, on October 16, 2019. However, his arrest did not immediately lead to prolonged incarceration. Released on bail, he continued to engage in criminal activities over the subsequent eight months, participating in at least 12 additional crimes, including the burglary at the National Horseracing Museum.
In December 2022, James Sheen faced justice again for his earlier offenses, receiving a 17-year sentence. This sentence adds to the already substantial legal consequences he has faced over his extensive criminal career.
The confiscation order secured by Thames Valley Police is emblematic of efforts to deter prolific offenders like Sheen by targeting their financial gains. As Lord Blunkett articulated:
"The only thing that will deter a prolific offender who's doing very well out of the proceeds of crime is to get those proceeds back, it's as simple as that."
While such measures aim to strip criminals of their illicit profits, challenges remain in recovering the vast sums accrued through illegal activities.