Three burglars have been jailed after they went on a spree of raids on businesses, stealing cash from safes, tills and charity boxes.

The offences were committed in Sittingbourne, Medway and Gravesend.

Trevor Brown, 51, admitted 11 burglaries, Patrick Downey, 30, four burglaries and Brendan Cameron, a builder, nine offences, committed between December and February.

Brown, of White Road, Chatham, was sentenced to three years and four months, and Cameron, of Jenkins Dale, Chatham, and Downey, of Skinner Street, Gillingham, to two years and eight months.

Prosecutor Iestyn Morgan said the total value of cash and property stolen was about £34,696.

Brown was responsible for the full amount, Cameron for £5,610 and Downey for £3,818.

As well as stealing, they caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the burglaries were at Bill’s Kitchen in Chatham, the Ship and Trade fish bar in Chatham, Max’s Pizza in Brompton, the Hollywood Bowl restaurant in Gillingham, Jade Garden restaurant in Chatham, Taj Cuisine in Walderslade, OK Kebab Shop in Walderslade, stealing a till, NS Tech in Rainham, Victoria Cross public house in Lordswood, Humphrey chip shop in Maidstone, Tech Centre UK in Chatham, Vigo Indian Restaurant, Vigo Grill, China Garden restaurant in Gravesend, The Avenue Cafe in Chatham, Humphrey and Son chip shop in Meopham, Tech Centre in Chatham and Mario’s Cafe in East Street, Sittingbourne.

Brown, who in May 2013 was jailed for 21 months for stealing cash while posing as a police officer, and Cameron denied conspiracy to burgle.

Mr Morgan said Brown had 34 previous convictions for 87 offences, Downey 24 convictions for 60 offences and Cameron five convictions for 14 offences.

Recorder Sarah Elliott QC said the three had taken high value electrical goods, cash and robbed charity boxes.

“There was a significant degree of planning involved,” she told them when passing sentence on Friday. “You were clearly acting as members of a gang.

“Only a significant custodial sentence can be justified.”

Detective Constable Aaron Chapman, the investigating officer for the case, said: "These offenders are responsible for a brazen series of burglaries which caused a huge amount of disruption for local businesses.

"They were caught numerous times on CCTV cameras and were arrogant enough to believe they would not be held to account for their crimes.

"I am pleased that we have been able to secure justice for the victims and welcome the sentences that have been passed."