A pair of burglars have been jailed after they were caught fleeing a house following a crime spree across a town.

Gerrard McGuinness and William Crump raided two houses in Margate and were arrested during their third burglary last month.

The duo pleaded guilty in court yesterday and were jailed for a total of almost 10 years.

Police were called to Tivoli Park Avenue in the town after neighbours heard the noise created by the pair at a property on March 27.

An officer on patrol spotted McGuinness running through All Saint’s Avenue and arrested him as he matched the description of one of the suspects.

They also saw a second man - Crump - running away carrying a toolbox and witnessed him dropping it so contacted colleagues by radio to find and stop him.

Police saw Crump, of Lister Road, Margate, also discarding a laptop and bank card during his failed escape attempt.

The toolbox and computer were found to have been taken from earlier burglaries in Railway Terrace and near Fulsam Place.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how one of their victims, who was upstairs when her home was targeted, was left distressed after she found knives moved to her living room ready to be used if Crump and McGuinness were disturbed during the raid.

Both men were charged on March 28 with the two burglaries and the attempted burglary.

In addition, Crump, 30, was charged with bank card fraud and McGuinness, of no fixed address, was charged with criminal damage after spitting in the police van as he was taken to custody.

Crump also admitted three further burglary offences and these were taken into consideration during sentencing.

He was jailed for five years and three months and McGuinness received a sentence of four-and-a half-years.

Investigating officer DS Jay Robinson said: "These thieves tried to run from the scene of their last burglary attempt but were caught by officers and, thanks to hard work from my team, they were both charged within 24 hours.

"Justice has caught up with them, and all of the stolen items have been returned to their rightful owners.

"Being a victim of burglary can be very upsetting, and I hope the work done by my officers and the subsequent result at court, brings them reassurance."

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