THREE burglars have been jailed for a total of nine years after two burglaries in Harwich.

A gang broke into a home in Birch Avenue and took a car, bag, purse and wallet on October 25 last year.

Stephen Guppy, 48, of Orwell Road, Harwich, was arrested five days later and charged with the burglary.

Three weeks later a home in Main Road, was broken into.

Robert Venning, 26, of Parkland Drive, Great Yarmouth, was arrested on February 21 this year and was charged with the Main Road burglary.

Brian Goodrum, 41, of Orwell Road, Harwich, was arrested on October 31 and charged with both burglaries.

All men admitted the offences at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Goodrum was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison, while Guppy and Venning were jailed for two years and eight months months each.

Det Con Robin Coltman said: “Burglary is a horrible and invasive crime that can have a long lasting impact on the victim.

“It is not just the monetary value of items that are taken but the sentimental value they can hold, making them irreplaceable.

“I am pleased we’ve been able to bring these three people to justice and there has been a marked reduction in burglaries in the Harwich area since they were arrested.

“I hope this conviction and sentencing will act as a warning to anyone considering committing burglary and get them to think again.”

Sara Last, 32, of Mayes Lane, Ramsey, was arrested in connection with the Birch Avenue burglary.

On January 27 this year, she admitted nine counts of fraud and was given a one-year community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement and a 30 days rehabilitation activity.