Two burglars who stole high-value cars after breaking into houses have been jailed.

Joshua Bragg and Aaron Martin were each sentenced to three years and nine months in prison after they stole BMWs and Mercedes from outside homes in Dartford and Gravesend.

The pair targeted seven addresses between April 1 and May 17 forcing open the front door to houses in the middle of the night and stealing car keys and other valuables including jewellery, phones and computer tablets.

Bragg, 22, of Bell Farm Avenue, Dagenham, and Martin, 20, of Triumph Close, Colchester, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court and both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.

On Thursday, October 12 they were jailed.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Dan Bister, said: “These burglars travelled into Kent and broke into homes while the occupants were often asleep upstairs.

“They thought they could leave the county and avoid being arrested but this was a misjudgement.

“We tracked them down and gained sufficient evidence to bring them to justice and place them behind bars.

“Our team has successfully convicted numerous crime gangs over the last five years and any burglars thinking of following their example, can expect a prompt and robust response from our officers.”