A gang of burglars who targeted homes across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire have been jailed for a total of 20 years after pleading guilty to a series of crimes.

The four men raided homes across the south east, stealing expensive items including cars, electronics and jewellery.

Following a lengthy investigation, the gang were finally caught out by detectives and they last week pleaded guilty for conspiracy to commit 18 burglaries, with some later admitting to a series of other crimes.

Kevin Bodman, 35, of no fixed abode; Kevin Johnson, 44, of The Fairway, Burnham; Delroy Hughes, 36, of no fixed abode; and Dale Lally, 32, of Wavell Gardens, Slough were sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, May 20, 2016, having earlier pleaded guilty.

The conspiracy charge includes a total of 18 dwelling burglary offences in Marlow, Flackwell Heath, Burnham, Bracknell, Windsor, Maidenhead and Slough, between November 13, 2015, and February 10 this year.

Investigating officer, Det Con John Cruse, said: "The four defendants operated as a well organised group targeting large, mostly unoccupied properties, stealing expensive jewellery, designer clothing and watches worth thousands of pounds.

"On two occasions, the offenders were disturbed by the occupants which was a terrifying experience for these victims and has had a lasting effect on them.

"There were several aggravating elements to their offending, namely the level of planning involved, the fact they operated as a group and the high value of the items taken.

“This is reflected in the lengthy sentences handed down to them. I hope this helps to bring some closure to the victims, many of whom have lost sentimental items that can never be replaced.

“Some of the victims are still coming to terms with the fact that their homes were violated."

Jailed

Bodman was jailed for six years and eight months after admitting nine burglaries and asking for a further six burglary offences to be taken into consideration.

He also pleaded guilty to other offences including theft of petrol, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, criminal damage, theft from motor vehicle, fraud and handling stolen goods.

Johnson was jailed for five years and four months after he admitted 12 burglary offences.

Hughes was also jailed five years and four months. He admitted six burglaries.

Lally was sentenced to two years and eight months after he admitted two burglary offences and asked for a further two offences (fraud and handling) to be taken into consideration.

Case files

The conspiracy charge relates to these burglaries:

  • 13/11/15 - 7pm-8pm - Gypsy Lane, Marlow - laptop, mobile phone, tablet, iPad, handbag stolen
  • 11/12/15 - 7.45am -8.42pm - Branksome Hill Road, Sandhurst, Berkshire, Mercedes SL 55, four laptops, X box and game, 3 x car keys and cash stolen
  • 11/12/15 - 5.50pm - 7.30pm - College Road, Sandhurst - Diamond ring, laptop, iPad and car key stolen
  • 28/12 to 31/12/15 - Greystock Road, Bracknell - Rolex watch, gold and diamond jewellery, Bose speaker, Chanel handbag, Ugg boots, car key stolen
  • 30/12 to 31/12/15 - Kingfisher Chase, Bracknell - Laptop, handbag, diamond necklace handbag and car key stolen
  • 1/1/16 - 6.55pm - Rogers Lane, Stoke Poges - cash, jewellery and Porsche vehicle stolen 3/1 -
  • 4/1/16 Doddsfield Road, Slough - Laptop, two mobile phones, gold ring, credit cards stolen
  • 9/1/16 - Waxwing Park, Bracknell - Laptop, jewellery and BMW stolen
  • 10/1/16 4pm - 8pm - Holyport Road, Maidenhead - TV, keys for Aston Martin vehicle, watches, wallet and passport stolen
  • 11/1/16 - Greenlands, Flackwell Heath - Watches, cash, iPhone and dagger stolen
  • 15/1/16 - 7.45am -7.30pm - Oaktree Road, Marlow - Jewellery and bags stolen
  • 22/1/16 - 8am -10pm - Stanhope Road, Slough - Tools, tablet, watches and Vauxhall Antara vehicle stolen
  • 30/1/15 -4.50pm -23.10pm - Blumfield Crescent, Slough - Vauxhall Corsa, jewellery, safe containing 3 cameras, watch, documents and cards stolen
  • 4/2/16 - 8.50pm - Farmers Way, Maidenhead - Handbag stolen
  • 31/1 to 6/2/16 - Provost Lea, Bracknell - Tablet and money bank stolen
  • 8/1 to 6/2/16 - Jaguar Lane, Bracknell - Laptop and mountain bike stolen
  • 6/2/16 - Jaguar Lane, Bracknell - nothing stolen
  • 31/1 to 7/2/16 - Church Road, Windsor - Laptop, Ford Kuga car, jewellery and watch stolen

The six offences which Bodman asked to be taken into consideration include: burglary in Guillemot Street, Bracknell, burglary in Hollybush, Stoke Poges, attempted burglary in Plough Lane, Stoke Poges, burglary in Hastings Meadow, Stoke Poges, burglary in Wordsworth Road, Slough and burglary in St Peters Close, Burnham.