TWO burglars who broke into multiple homes and hit a police car while trying to escape have been jailed.

Justin Collins, 44, and James Dunnett, 29, both pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, criminal damage, possession of a bladed weapon and driving while disqualified.

Collins, of no fixed abode, was given a six-year sentence at Brighton Crown Court for two counts of burglary, one count of criminal damage and driving while disqualified.

While Dunnett, of Franklin Road, Penge, London, was sentenced to 32-months imprisonment at Brighton Magistrates’ Court for two counts of burglary and possession of a knife.

The pair were spotted at around 2.20pm on Tuesday, January 18 by a passer-by who had spotted some “suspicious activity” at a house in Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham near Tunbridge Wells.

A blue Vauxhall Astra which was seen leaving the house was captured by ANPR cameras in Kent.

Officers from Kent Police stopped the car on the M25 and found stolen jewellery which matched that reported stolen during the Etchingham burglary.

Police also found jewellery from a second burglary that happened at a house in Eridge Road, Groombridge, near Tunbridge Wells at around 4.30pm that day.

The Argus: Both burglaries happened down quiet country roadsBoth burglaries happened down quiet country roads

Collins and Dunnett were arrested and returned to Sussex to be interviewed.

Detective Inspector Gavin Patch said: “This case highlights the excellent teamwork across East Sussex and Kent in ensuring these two burglars were dealt with quickly and effectively.

“After arrest they were put straight before the court and in due course have been given sentences which reflect the nature of their offending.

“Sussex remains a safe place to live and we continue to make it make it hostile to those choosing to offend here.”

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