Burglars who threatened residents with bladed weapons while wearing masks and balaclavas have been jailed.

Three men have received a total of 22 years and seven months in prison after they admitted to aggravated burglary after stealing from a property in Luton Road, Chatham.

The criminals had gained entry to the premises wearing gloves and with their faces obscured and woke up the occupants before assaulting one of them while demanding to know where their valuables were.

They stole two watches and two mobile phones during their planned break-in before fleeing the scene.

Officers had been alerted to the incident, which took place on Septemeber 8 and saw men running from the area.

During the investigation of the crime scene, a mask was recovered and forensic examinations found DNA belonging to 20-year-old Rogel Dumitru.

Investigators were then able to show that Dumitru and his car had travelled from Bexleyheath to Chatham accompanied by the occupants of a van, before and after the incident.

“The threats with weapons will have left a lasting impact on the victims...

They also proved he had been in contact with his accomplices Denis Calin, 20, and Ion Vasile, 22, before the crime.

The investigation also showed that the men had all been in the vicinity of the incident when it happened with further inquiries proving Robert Maytum had also been present.

Dumitru, of Mayplace Road East, Bexleyheath, Calin, of Albany Road Chatham, Maytum, of Great South Avenue, Chatham and Vasile, of Boxley Road, Maidstone, were arrested later in Septemeber by detectives from the Kent Crime Squad.

Vasile, Maytum and Dumitru admitted to aggravated burglary at Woolwich Crown Court while Calin was convicted of burglary following a trial.

On Friday, June 14, Vasile was sentenced to eight years and five months’ imprisonment and Maytum, 36, was jailed for seven years and two months.

Calin, 20, was imprisoned for seven years while Dumitru, 20, will be sentenced at a later date.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Dan Bister said the threats with weapons will leave a “lasting impact" on the victims adding the men should be “ashamed of their actions”.

He said: “This was a premeditated crime during which a family were terrorised in their own home. A meticulous investigation ensured the main culprits were identified, swiftly arrested and are now starting lengthy prison sentences.

“I would like to thank the victims and other witnesses who assisted our investigation and ensured these violent criminals are no longer a threat to other Medway households.”