A duo branded 'career criminals' who stole a wedding ring, cufflinks and cash were caught out when they were captured on CCTV.

Wilfred Grant and Gary Parks ransacked a property in Brook Street, Snodland. They also took bikes and a motorbike.

Personal items including a wedding ring and cufflinks were stolen by the pair, who broke into a caravan within a gated area, in September.

They also took possessions belonging to the victim’s children.

Grant and Parks were arrested the following month after officers examined CCTV images which placed them at the scene.

Parks, aged 31, of no fixed address, was charged with burglary and two counts of theft.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to two years and eight months.

Grant, also 31 and of no fixed address, admitted counts of burglary and theft.

He also pleaded guilty to a separate and unrelated offence of vehicle interference, after he tried to steal from a car parked in Rochester High Street in July.

He received a sentence of two years and five months.

DI Richard O'Toole of West Kent CID said: ‘Both Parks and Grant are career criminals and prolific thieves, the likes of whom think they can get away with making other people’s lives a misery.

"Their actions have a profound impact on those they target who are often left feeling violated and unsafe.

"Criminals will often target properties which look unoccupied and provide an easy entry and exit point, so making your home look occupied will reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of crime.

It also remains important to have locks on doors and windows and to remember to secure any access points, such as garden gates, sheds and garages. As this case shows, CCTV systems and doorbell cameras can also be an effective tool in deterring and identifying offenders.’

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