Burglars jailed at Luton Crown Court

Two Bedfordshire burglars - who admitted to a series of cross-county burglaries - have been jailed.

In one instance terrified homeowners locked themselves in the bathroom while the men ransacked their home.

21 year-old Frank Stanley, of Gifford Road Bedford and 20 year-old Tom Smith of Ampthill Road, Kempston Hardwick, have received nearly seven years between them.

Detective Constable Andrew Boston, of Operation Maze, said: “I can only imagine how terrifying it must have been for the victims to have these men raiding their property while they were actually in the house.

“Stanley and Smith showed a total disregard for them and the other victims whose homes they invaded, so it is good that they are now behind bars.

“It also shows the value of CCTV in a property which really helped us in securing these convictions.”

Operation Maze’s focus on burglary has now secured for Bedfordshire one of the highest clear-up rates in the country.

“We are obviously proud of that record,” said DC Boston, “but we know there is plenty more work to do.

“We will attend every burglary, but we also rely on information we receive from the public, so we’d appeal for anyone who knows anything to come forward.”