Two burglars who broke into properties in Wealden and Rother and hit a police car while trying to avoid being arrested have been jailed.
On January 18th, a member of the public who spotted some suspicious behaviour at a property in Sheepstreet Lane, Etchingham, called police just before 2.30pm.
A blue Vauxhall Astra left the scene and was picked up by police ANPR cameras in Kent at around 6.20pm.
Officers from Kent Police stopped the car on the M25 and recovered a quantity of jewellery from inside. The jewellery matched that reported stolen during the Etchingham burglary, and a second burglary that had taken place at a property in Eridge Road, Groombridge, around 4.30pm that day.
The two occupants of the car, Collins and Dunnett, were arrested and returned to Sussex for interview.
Justin Collins, 44, of no fixed abode and James Dunnett, 29, of Franklin Road, Penge, both pleaded guilty to charges of burglary, criminal damage, possession of a bladed weapon and driving while disqualified.
Collins was given a six-year sentence at Brighton Crown Court for two counts of burglary, one count of criminal damage and driving while disqualified.
Dunnett was sentenced to 32-months imprisonment at Brighton Magistrates Court for two counts of burglary and one count of possession of a bladed weapon.
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 hostile to those choosing to offend here.”
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