A gang of car key burglars have been locked up after taking vehicles from driveways across the county.

Five thieves from Dartford, Erith and Belvedere broke into homes and targeted victims as they slept.

One of the burglars breaking into a home to steal car keys: Video Kent Police

Ryan Hull and William Burton burgled four addresses over several nights in November 2019, in Larkfield and Maidstone.

They forced their way inside homes, before taking car keys and other personal property, leading to six cars being stolen.

Patrols located one of the stolen cars on December, 2, an Audi A3 parked in Dartford which had been fitted with false number plates.

While there, officers saw the vehicle unlock remotely and as Hull and Burton walked towards it and they were arrested.

An investigation led to a purse from one of the burglaries being located at Hull’s home in Erith and a stolen designer jacket was also seized from Burton’s address in Dartford.

Hull’s phone was examined, which led to the discovery of a video of him sitting in one of the stolen vehicles. Text messages also included discussions about the thefts and inquiries linked the pair to a fifth burglary in Maidstone.

Evidence showed two further suspects were involved, George Knight and Matthew Francis. DNA belonging to Knight was recovered from the stolen Audi.

A further 29 break-ins were found to be linked to Hull, Knight, Francis and another accomplice, Sean Hart.

These were carried out between January 21, and April 2, 2020.

Homes were targeted in areas including Whitstable, Canterbury, Tonbridge, Borough Green, the Medway Towns, Sevenoaks, and parts of London.

Further arrests were made and all five were charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.

They pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and Hull, 27, of Thanet Road, Erith, was jailed for five years and three months.

Knight, 28, of Morvale Close, Belvedere, was jailed for five years and nine months.

Burton, 28, Muir Drive, Dartford, was jailed for three years and 10 months and Hart, 34, of Riverdale Road, Erith, was locked up for two years.

Francis, 28, of Valence Road, Erith, was sentenced separately at the same court and jailed for six years and 20 weeks.

Det Sgt Jay Robinson, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad said: "These prolific criminals brazenly and repeatedly targeted homes as people were sleeping.

"Victims woke up to find intruders had entered their properties and stolen personal possessions along with their cars.

"These offenders falsely assumed that by using false number plates on stolen cars they would avoid detection, but this arrogance was to be their downfall.

"Our meticulous investigation pieced together evidence to identify the perpetrators and prove the criminal conspiracy.

"The residents of Kent can sleep easier knowing this gang is now safely residing in prison, but it is a timely reminder for householders to ensure doors are secured and ideally double-locked overnight."

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