A GANG who targeted two North Yorkshire towns in a UK-wide scam to steal high-value excavators and plant equipment have been given jail sentences totalling almost 12 years.

The group carried out thefts in Harrogate and Tadcaster during their crime operation, which is estimated to have cost businesses more than £2 million over a two-year period.

David Colley, 43, of Netherton, Huddersfield, was jailed for 15 months after admitting his part in the conspiracy and travelling to North Yorkshire on a “reconnaissance” trip the day before a piece of machinery worth £65,000 was stolen.

Peter Green, 46, of Highfield Drive, Birstall, and Mark Lambert, 46, of Amber Wharfe, Shipley, were each jailed for three years and nine months after admitting conspiracy to steal. Sharon Pearson. 39, of Capa Terrace, Odsal, was jailed for 18 months and Matthew Wheatley, 22, of Idle, Bradford, was imprisoned for 15 months.