Stephen Baillie and Taylor Houston were charged with conspiracy to burgle following an investigation by Kent Police’s Chief Constable’s Crime Squad.

They admitted the charge and were sentenced to four and half years each at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday 3 January 2023.

The charge related to 10 burglaries at properties in Herne Bay, Canterbury, Blean, Whitstable, Wingham and Sandwich between October and November 2022.

Investigative work by the detectives linked a van to the earlier offences and the vehicle was spotted and stopped in Sandwich on Monday 21 November.

Baillie, 32, of Westgate Court Avenue, Canterbury, and Houston, 28, of Canterbury Road, Herne Bay, were charged the following day.

Jewellery which was stolen during some of the burglaries was recovered by officers and returned to victims.

Detective Sergeant Jay Robinson, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: ‘These two individuals thought that they could target addresses and steal jewellery, some of which was of great sentimental value to victims.

Our extensive investigation showed the court the level of involvement of both of these men in these burglaries and we were delighted to be able to return stolen items in some cases.

Kent Police will always look to hold offenders accountable for their actions and I hope that these two will take the time in prison to reflect on their life choices.