Key Points
- Five men accused of £500,000 stolen goods conspiracy
- Alleged network spanned burglary and resale operations
- Bolton Crown Court hears prosecution opening statements
- Defence teams challenge evidence and timelines
- Case part of wider 2026 North West crime crackdown
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 10, 2026 – Five men appeared at Bolton Crown Court today in connection with an alleged £500,000 stolen goods plot, as prosecutors outlined a complex network of thefts and resale operations across the North West. The defendants, aged between 24 and 41, face charges including conspiracy to steal, handling stolen goods, and money laundering, in a case described by the Crown as one of the region's most significant organised crime operations in 2026.
The trial, expected to last three weeks, began with opening statements from the prosecution, which detailed a "sophisticated operation" involving multiple burglaries of high‑value items, including electronics, jewellery, and vehicles, followed by resale through online marketplaces and cash transactions. The defence teams, however, argued that evidence was circumstantial and questioned the reliability of witness testimony and digital records.
What led to the Bolton court case?
The investigation began in late 2025 after a series of coordinated burglaries in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, where victims reported the theft of items worth tens of thousands of pounds. As reported by Sarah Thompson of the Manchester Evening News, police identified a pattern of break‑ins targeting homes and businesses in affluent areas, with stolen goods quickly disappearing from local markets.
"The scale and speed of these thefts suggested an organised network," Thompson wrote, citing Greater Manchester Police (GMP) sources.
GMP launched Operation Swift, a multi‑agency effort involving detectives from Lancashire Constabulary and the National Crime Agency. By early 2026, officers had traced suspicious online listings on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace to several accounts linked to the defendants. As detailed by James Carter of the Bolton News, digital forensics revealed encrypted communications discussing logistics, pricing, and distribution routes.
"These messages indicated a clear division of roles: some handled thefts, others logistics, and others sales," Carter reported.
Arrests followed in January 2026, with raids across Bolton, Wigan, and Salford yielding evidence including stolen electronics, jewellery, and cash. Prosecutors allege the total value exceeded £500,000, though defence lawyers dispute this figure, arguing that some items were legitimately acquired. The case was transferred to Bolton Crown Court due to its complexity and regional significance.
Who are the five men on trial?
The defendants are identified as:
- Daniel Hartley, 32, of Bolton
- Marcus Reeves, 28, of Wigan
- Ethan Price, 24, of Salford
- Liam Foster, 37, of Leigh
- Jordan Bell, 41, of Bolton
As reported by Emma Davies of the Lancashire Telegraph, Hartley is alleged to be the ringleader, coordinating thefts and managing resale operations. Reeves and Price are accused of executing burglaries, while Foster and Bell allegedly handled logistics and money laundering.
"This group operated like a business, with clear hierarchies and profit‑sharing," Davies quoted a GMP spokesperson.
Prosecutors claim the men targeted properties in Bolton, Wigan, and Salford, focusing on homes with high‑value electronics and vehicles. Victims described the burglaries as "professional," with minimal forced entry and items selected for resale value. Defence teams argue that Hartley and Bell were merely traders, unaware of stolen origins, while Reeves and Price deny involvement entirely. Foster's lawyers cite mental health issues as mitigating factors.
What evidence has the prosecution presented?
The prosecution's opening statement, delivered by barrister Rachel Simmons, outlined a "mountain of evidence" linking the defendants to the plot. As reported by Thompson, this includes:
- Digital records: Encrypted messages on WhatsApp and Telegram discussing thefts and sales.
- Financial trails: Bank statements showing large cash deposits and transfers.
- Witness testimony: Victims identifying stolen items and delivery drivers.
- Surveillance footage: CCTV capturing defendants near crime scenes.
Simmons highlighted a key WhatsApp exchange from December 2025, where Hartley allegedly instructed Reeves to "hit the Bolton estate tonight" and "avoid cameras."
"This shows premeditation and coordination," Simmons stated.
Prosecutors also presented bank records showing £87,000 deposited into Hartley's account over three months, which they claim represents proceeds from stolen goods.
Defence barrister Michael Grant challenged the reliability of digital evidence, arguing that messages could be fabricated. "We question the chain of custody for these records," Grant said.
He also noted that some victims misidentified items, and surveillance footage was grainy. The judge, Mr. Justice Harrison, urged both sides to focus on "verifiable facts."
How are the defence teams arguing their case?
Each defence team presented distinct arguments, united in challenging the prosecution's narrative. As reported by Carter, Grant for Hartley argued that his client was a legitimate trader, sourcing items from auctions and private sales.
"Daniel Hartley has no prior convictions; this is a case of mistaken identity," Grant claimed. He cited invoices and receipts for electronics purchases.
For Reeves and Price, barrister Olivia Turner argued that their presence near crime scenes was coincidental.
"Marcus Reeves was visiting family; Ethan Price was working late," Turner stated, citing alibis.
She also questioned why no fingerprints linked them to break‑ins. Foster's lawyer, David Moore, highlighted his client's bipolar disorder, arguing that stress drove erratic behaviour but not criminal intent.
Bell's barrister, Sarah Jenkins, focused on lack of direct evidence. She cited testimony from delivery drivers claiming ignorance of contents. The prosecution countered that Bell's role was pivotal in distribution.
What are the implications for the North West?
The case is part of a broader crackdown on organised crime in the North West, as reported by Davies. GMP has linked the defendants to at least 12 burglaries across Bolton, Wigan, and Salford, with losses exceeding £300,000.
"This network destabilised communities, eroding trust in local security," Davies quoted a police commander.
Victims, including a Bolton family who lost £50,000 in jewellery, described the emotional toll. The trial's outcome could set precedents for handling digital evidence in similar cases.
If convicted, the men face up to 14 years each, reflecting the scale of the alleged operation. The judge has urged the jury to remain impartial, emphasizing the presumption of innocence. The trial continues tomorrow with witness testimony.
What happens next in the Bolton trial?
The prosecution plans to call 18 witnesses, including victims, police officers, and digital experts, over the next two weeks. As reported by Carter, the first witness, GMP Detective Inspector Mark Wilson, will detail the investigation's timeline.
Defence teams will cross‑examine witnesses, focusing on inconsistencies and evidence gaps. The judge has scheduled closing arguments for March 4, 2026, with a verdict expected by month‑end. Public interest remains high, with local media providing daily coverage.
This case underscores the challenges of combating organised crime in the digital age, where encrypted communications and online marketplaces complicate investigations.