Four men have been jailed for a total of 20 years for conspiracy to commit 18 burglaries across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

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.

All four pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary before the same court on Tuesday 19 April 2016.

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

Bodman was jailed for six years and eight months after he admitted nine burglaries 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.

Investigating officer, Det Con John Cruse of Local CID Bracknell, 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