Three men who armed themselves with crowbars and tools before stealing cigarettes, cash and electronic games from pubs and supermarkets in High Wycombe and Marlow have been jailed. 

Michael Bates, 29, of Edinburgh Road, Maidenhead, Liam Buckley, 30 and Alexander Buckley, 25, both of no fixed abode, all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to burgle covering nine offences at Reading Crown Court on September 29.

The trio broke into supermarkets and pubs armed with crowbars and tools in Marlow and High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Windsor and Bracknell and stole cigarettes, games and cash totalling £15,800.

They targeted cigarette kiosks and fruit machines and all the incidents took place between October 25 last year and April 10 this year. 

Bates was jailed for four years and three months, Liam Buckley for four years and one month, and Alexander Buckley for two years and nine months.

Following the sentencing, investigating officer, Detective Constable Nicola Tompkins, from the Investigation Hub based at Maidenhead police station, said: “This was a resource intensive investigation into serious, complex and organised crime.

"I am pleased that Bates and the Buckleys have pleaded guilty to these offences. Organised crime will not be tolerated within the Thames Valley.

“This resulted in a very positive outcome. I would also like to thank Smart Water for assisting Thames Valley Police in this particular investigation.

"This thank you is extended to the staff at the public houses and supermarkets involved.”