Burglars from Stevenage have been sentenced after committing a string of offences.

Jake Robertson, 22 and of no fixed address, broke into three different addresses in Lonsdale Road and Burymead between August 28 and August 30 last year. He was assisted by Shemoly Begum, 24, from Bedwell in Stevenage.

Robertson stole vehicle keys for an Audi, Mini and Hyundai, and then took the vehicles themselves, which were parked outside.

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He also attempted to burgle two properties in Rusling Way and stole a bank card from a car, which was later used in both Stevenage and London.

Robertson was caught when a local resident recognised one of the stolen cars he was driving and reported it. Officers traced Robertson to an address nearby where he was subsequently arrested and remanded into custody.

He was then charged with three residential burglaries, three thefts of motor vehicles, two attempted burglaries, fraud by false representation, theft from a motor vehicle, and driving a motor vehicle without a licence.

Begum was charged with the same offences and appeared alongside Robertson at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, March 14. Both pleaded guilty.

Robertson was sentenced to 32 months behind bars, while Begum was handed a two-year suspended sentence and a twenty days rehabilitation activity requirement.

Investigating officer DC Stuart Lennon said: “We are pleased that the defendants pleaded guilty to these offences, which have had a profound effect on the homeowners who were targeted, and have now been sentenced for their crimes.

“Tackling burglary remains a policing priority in Stevenage and we recognise this type of crime can have a devastating effect on those whose homes are violated in this way.

“This case is also an excellent example of how reporting suspicious activity to police straightaway can lead to positive results.”