Three men who tricked their way into a gated community in Westerham by posing as police officers have been jailed for a total of more than 12 years.

Daniel Bowen, Daniel Kelly and Louis Ahearne gained access into apartments in Ide Hill by wearing police uniforms and using a blue flashing light mounted to their car.

Warning, flashing images.

CCTV of the offenders outside the property.

The trio arrived at the location, off Emmetts Lane, late on July 9 last year.

After stopping at the entrance gate, they were let inside the grounds by a resident who believed they were genuine officers.

The men then broke into an apartment by smashing a window, before stealing money, handbags and designer trainers.

They then attempted to force their way into another property but fled after being disturbed.

Bowden, 44, of Wolfe Crescent, Charlton, was arrested a month later when forensics found his blood on a money box.

CCTV revealed Ahearne, 31 of Stanley Close, Eltham, and Kelly, 41, of The Heights, Charlton, as the other two suspects. They were arrested just days later.

All three were charged with burglary and attempted burglary.

Bowen pleaded guilty, whilst Kelly and Ahearne were convicted following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

On Tuesday Kelly and Ahearne were both sentenced to five years' imprisonment while Bowen received two years and six months.

DC Alex Peacock, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: "When we searched Kelly’s home several items of police uniform were found and it is clear these men were prepared to go to considerable lengths to plan and carry out these offences.

"The sentences reflect the seriousness of their offending. We know all too well just how devastating burglaries can be, for anyone whose home is broken into, and I hope that today’s verdicts will provide the victims with a level of reassurance."

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