Machete-Armed Gang Sentenced Following Violent Cross-Border Burglary Spree

A sophisticated, coordinated burglary gang that wore balaclavas, carried machetes, and terrorized homeowners has been dismantled and jailed for a combined total of over 40 years. Led by 42-year-old Ras Thomas of Cardiff, the group engaged in a series of highly planned, professional raids targeting residential properties where they believed high-value assets and safes were kept.

The St Mellons Safe Burglary

On June 14, 2023, the gang initiated their crime spree by targeting a home belonging to a local mechanic in St Mellons, Cardiff. The operation was highly organized, featuring hired vehicles—including a transit van and two cars—to facilitate the transport of stolen goods. Wearing matching dark clothing, gloves, and balaclavas, Thomas Hagans (41) and Charlie Seeney (17) breached the property while Simon Seeney (42) and Ras Thomas coordinated the logistics.

The intruders located a heavy safe concealed beneath bedroom floorboards and successfully pried it loose. However, after making their escape and opening the safe, the criminals discovered that it was completely empty. Frustrated by the lack of loot, the group immediately turned their attention to another high-value target outside of Wales.

Violent Escaped to Somerset

Later that same day, the group drove to Taunton, Somerset, where they targeted an isolated rural property. Having recruited Craig Shaw (34) to assist with this second raid, the armed gang arrived carrying crowbars and machetes. They confronted a resident in an outdoor portable cabin, forcing him into the main house where they seized a second occupant.

The victims were assaulted, ordered to lie face-down on the living room floor, and subjected to a terrifying interrogation regarding the location of cash and cannabis. The burglars threatened to execute them if they moved. One victim sustained a ruptured eardrum from the assault. Before fleeing the scene, the gang ransacked a caravan on the property, escaping with a safe containing £50,000 worth of premium jewellery.

Investigation and Newport Crown Court Sentencing

A multi-force investigation involving South Wales Police, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, and the Crown Prosecution Service utilized CCTV, mobile phone tracking, and vehicle monitoring technology to locate the perpetrators. The defendants were subsequently arrested at their homes in Cardiff and Birmingham.

At Newport Crown Court, Judge Daniel Williams handed down significant custodial sentences to reflect the gravity of the offences:

• Ras Thomas (Cardiff) – Sentenced to 13 years imprisonment for aggravated burglary, burglary, and actual bodily harm (ABH).
• Thomas Hagans (Birmingham) – Sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.
• Simon Seeney (Birmingham) – Sentenced to 10 years imprisonment and banned from driving for 5.5 years.
• Craig Shaw (Gloucestershire, involved in the Somerset raid only) – Sentenced to 9 years imprisonment.
• Charlie Seeney (now 18) – Received a 12-month youth referral order at an earlier youth court hearing.