Car thieves jailed after targeting homes in Northamptonshire villages
Two men have been jailed after breaking into homes in three Northamptonshire villages to steal car keys and vehicles as part of a burglary spree across several counties.
Bradley Taylor, aged 28, and Rjay Richards, aged 22, targeted properties in Brixworth, Greens Norton and Newnham during March and April this year.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said an Audi A5, Volkswagen e-Golf and BMW 3 Series were stolen during the incidents.
The offences formed part of a wider series of burglaries across Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Gloucestershire, West Mercia and the Thames Valley area.
According to police, the pair broke into homes to steal car keys before driving away in the occupants' vehicles.
An investigation by Northamptonshire Police's burglary team identified Taylor and Richards as suspects.
The spokesperson said both men were arrested following a police pursuit on April 9, which ended in Southam, Warwickshire.
Taylor, of Stoneymore Drive, Solihull, was subsequently charged with eight counts of burglary, nine counts of theft of a motor vehicle, one count of attempted burglary and one count of criminal damage.
Richards, of Cole Hall Lane, Birmingham, faced three counts of burglary, five counts of theft of a motor vehicle and one count of attempted burglary.
Both men pleaded guilty at Northampton Crown Court in May.
They returned to the same court on October 16, when Taylor was sentenced to four years and six months in prison, while Richards received a three-year jail term.
PC Mark Edkins, the lead investigator from Northamptonshire Police's burglary team, said: “Taylor and Richards targeted people in their own homes, entering properties to steal car keys and then driving away in vehicles that the occupants had worked hard to buy.
“We know offences like these can have a significant and lasting impact on people, who are left feeling shocked and unsafe in the place where they should feel most secure.
“I hope these sentences provide some reassurance to the victims affected and demonstrate our commitment to pursuing those involved in burglary and vehicle crime wherever they operate.”