Charity box thieves who raided a business and stole cash and games consoles worth £9,000 have been jailed.

Homeless pair Ashley Robinson, 34 and Barry Treays, 47, kicked down the door of the shop in Rochester town centre before carrying their loot away in a shopping trolley.

The duo were caught on CCTV with the loaded trolley and have been been locked up after admitting their crimes at Maidstone Crown Court last month.

The court heard the alarm at the business in Lower Rochester High Street was triggered at 6am on May 9.

When the owner arrived, he found the door kicked through, the place searched and numerous items taken.

Stolen items included games consoles, cash, a charity box and other electronic items valued at about £9,000.

Police conducted CCTV inquiries and discovered images of suspects with empty bags entering an alleyway near the premises.

Several minutes later security cameras showed the same suspects emerging from the alleyway, one with a shopping trolley of full carrier bags.

Robinson and Treays were identified by investigating officers and Robinson’s DNA was also found on a computer cable at the scene. Both men initially denied being involved in the burglary but both later pleaded guilty.

During the hearing on August 23, Robinson also admitted to 13 other offences including theft and fraud.

'Their willingness to steal from innocent members of the public showing them to be a considerable threat,' Det Con Rebecca Ward

He stole from four cars parked in Strood between 30 June and 3 July 2019.

Items reported stolen included a bankcard that went on to be used in four fraudulent transactions. He also stole a car, filled it with fuel from a nearby petrol station and then left without paying.

Treays was sentenced to 16 months for his part in the Rochester burglary.

Robinson was sentenced to two years and was banned from driving for 23 months.

Investigating officer, Det Con Rebecca Ward, said: "Robinson and Treays’ willingness to steal from innocent members of the public showing them to be a considerable threat and the custodial sentences imposed are therefore entirely appropriate.

"I am pleased we have secured justice for the victims and that these offenders are no longer able to steal from the public."

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