A gang of seven men who forced their way into homes in Bromley while people slept in their beds have been jailed.

The group snatched keys before driving away in cars, which they sold to criminal associates.

The 14 burglaries happened between September 20 and November 3 last year, and the total value of the cars was £561,000.

Expensive jewellery and cash were also stolen from some homes.

Bromley Crime Squad launched an investigation in August 2017 before they arrested the group on May 22 and 23 in various locations in Bromley.

The head of Bromley Crime Squad said: “The impact the offences this gang committed has had on the victims, can only be described as considerable and this was highlighted by the Judge during his sentencing.

“This was an extremely complex and at times difficult investigation and involved officers managing vast workloads and working extremely long hours.

“These sentences should be a clear message to those involved in this type of criminality that the Metropolitan Police Service will be tenacious in tracking you down, arresting and convicting you.”

The seventh defendant was arrested and charged on June 16.

All seven men pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit burglary and one of conspiracy to steal.

David Cakebread, 36, of Radnor Avenue, Welling, was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Freddie Mockler, 20, of Buckland Road, Orpington was sentenced to four-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.

David Smith, 20, of Augustine Road, Orpington was sentenced to four-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.

An 18-year-old man, from Orpington, who was 17 years old when charged, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Jack Andrews, 28, of London Road, West Kingsdown, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.

Perry Rye, 21, of Okemore Gardens, Orpington was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment suspended for two years.

Huseyin Huseyin, 24, of no fixed address was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.