THREE men who carried out a burglary spree during which they stole more than £20,000 of cash and jewellery have today been jailed for a total of more than ten years.

Stefan Grogan, 23, of Leeds Road, Windhill, was sentenced to four and a half years and Matthew Crooks, 24, of Back Lane, Wilsden was given three years and four months, after they pleaded guilty to nine burglaries last summer.

Nathan Stapleton, 19, of Back Dale Street, Shipley was given two years and six months.

A fourth man, Joshua Clayton, 23, of Albert Street, Wilsden, will be sentenced at a later date after also pleading guilty.

Between August 9 and 27 the men stole cash and jewellery, as well as laptops, designer watches and other items of sentimental value. They would break into sheds and use garden tools to force open doors and windows of the house.

Detective Constable Richard Oxley, of the Western Area Burglary Team, said: "Bringing these men to justice is a fantastic result and I am delighted the court has recognised the seriousness of their offending by punishing them in this way.

"None of them cared about the consequences of their actions - the houses they targeted were empty, with occupants either out, usually at work, or on holiday had to return to the devastation left behind.

"These men now have time in jail to consider the consequences of their actions.

"It is important that, wherever possible, householders secure their sheds and garages. As has been shown by this case, thieves will use tools inside to then break into the house."

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