Two men have been jailed after an antique violin worth more than £10,000 and other items were stolen from cars.

Michael McTigue and William French targeted parked vehicles in and around Sevenoaks and Hildenborough between October 2022 and April 2023.

As well as the expensive musical equipment, golf clubs and tools were also taken.

The pair were arrested on May 12 after an investigation by the west Kent victim based crime team led to three warrants and searches of properties in Berkshire and south-east London.

More than 300 golf clubs and 11 guitars were discovered in the raid.

French, 36, was spotted on CCTV visiting a specialist musical instrument shop in Oxford shortly after the theft of the violin – it was sold on the day but later recovered and returned to the victim.

Both men were charged with conspiracy to steal and French was also charged with four counts of theft.

McTigue, 36, of McMillan Steet, Deptford, and French, of Spackman Close, Thatcham, Berkshire pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.

On Tuesday, October 3, McTigue was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment and French was jailed for three years.

Investigating officer, PC Stuart Hosiene, said: “Our investigation has linked at least 23 separate offences to McTigue and French. They would target multi-story car parks or private complexes, before smashing the windows of vehicles and stealing items of high value.

“Both men have an extensive criminal history for these types of offences, often involving the theft of golfing equipment worth several thousand pounds. Whilst we have thankfully been able to return a number of these items to their rightful owners, sadly much of what they stole is still missing.

“We are working hard to ensure justice does not end with these prison sentences. Both men will now be subject to investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act and this will be used to try and claw back any benefits they may have gained from their criminal activities.”