Two burglars who went on a crime spree ransacking homes and stealing over £150,000 worth of goods across Kent have been jailed for almost ten years.

Gary Ponder and Thomas Webber were responsible for break-ins in Swanley, Sevenoaks, and Edenbridge.

The pair stole jewellery, cash and mobile phones in a spree that went on between November 2016 and January 2017.

On November 21, the thieves smashed into a house in New Bar Road, Swanley, using a parasol base. They stole jewellery and make-up

Ponder and Webber would either burgle homes together or on their own, targeting houses in Bromley, Surrey and Kent.

Detective Constable Andy Julier said: “Ponder and Webber targeted homes often located in isolated areas, stealing possessions worth in excess of £150,000.

“Whilst we have thankfully been able to return a number of these items to their rightful owners, sadly much of what they stole is still missing.

“Their crimes have caused a huge amount of anguish and distress to victims and we are working hard to ensure justice does not end with these prison sentences.

“Both men will be now be subject to investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act and this will be used to try and claw back any benefits they may have gained from their criminal activities.”

Police searched a Vauxhall Frontera that Webber was driving on January 20 in West Kingsdown. Jewellery and false registration plates were found.

Both men had been staying at an address nearby, and another search found more stolen items.

Ponder was later arrested on 28 January, after he was located at an address in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court, Ponder, aged 47 and of no fixed address,pleaded guilty to seven charges of burglary. On 15 May he was jailed for five years and three months.

Webber, aged 25 and formerly of School Street, Wolston in Coventry, admitted 6 burglaries and a charge of theft. He was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.