Two men have been jailed for several burglaries and vehicle thefts during a two-day crime spree.

Liam French and Max Cuthbert targeted homes across Gillingham and were later chased by police to Sheppey.

On July 29, 2021, the pair broke into an address in Collet Walk and stole car keys from the victim’s handbag before making off with their car.

In the early hours of July 30, they broke into another property in Hawbeck Road.

The victim became alert after noticing torch light beams on their landing and called out, causing the men to flee.

Less than an hour later, French and Cuthbert targeted a third property in Howbury Walk, stealing a handbag containing a bank card, cash, perfumes, and car keys, which they used to make off with the victim’s car.

At 3.59am, officers conducted a search and located the two stolen vehicles travelling along Long Catlis Road, Rainham.

The drivers failed to stop when requested, and a pursuit to Sheppey saw the offenders drive at 70mph in 30mph zones.

One vehicle was brought to a stop after officers deployed a stinger, and French and Cuthbert were arrested.

Cuthbert, 20, was charged with one count of conspiracy to burgle and a charge of aggravated vehicle taking.

French, 22, was charged with two counts of conspiracy to burgle, one count of aggravated vehicle taking, failing to stop, and driving without insurance.

The pair appeared before Maidstone Crown Court last Thursday (February 9), where French, of Lines Terrace, Chatham, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

Cuthbert of Sutton Close, Rainham, was sentenced to two years and one month’s imprisonment at a young offenders’ institution.

A third suspect involved is awaiting sentencing.

Investigating officer PC Ella Bootes said: "French and Cuthbert are prolific thieves who unabashedly and repeatedly flouted the law in incidents of quick succession.

"When seeking to evade arrest, both demonstrated lack of care for other road users and pedestrians, putting them at risk by driving at excessive speeds.

"We are pleased by the court’s decision to sentence them to imprisonment and send the message to other offenders that crime does not pay."