Gang of burglars who targeted Hemel Hempstead homes are sentenced

They carried out offences in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
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Four men have been jailed for committing a series of burglary offences in Hertfordshire and over the border in Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.

Around £125,000 worth of property was stolen in the incidents last year, from homes including in Hemel Hempstead.

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Hertfordshire Police's Specialist Investigation Team launched an investigation after a number of burglaries were committed between April and July 2019.

George Wadsworth was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles.George Wadsworth was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles.
George Wadsworth was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles.

In most cases the offenders forced entry into homes during the night to steal car keys and other small items.

They would then steal the car.

Nineteen offences were committed in Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden, Caddington, Winslow, Leighton Buzzard and Chesham and the offenders would commit a number of offences in the same night.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Specialist Investigation Team, took on the investigation after a pattern of burglaries began to emerge.

Reece Wheeler was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehiclesReece Wheeler was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles
Reece Wheeler was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles
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Using a number of techniques, including piecing together CCTV images from the offence areas, they were able to link the offences and gather together the evidence in order to identify and arrest the men.

They were sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Thursday (May 21) following an earlier trial at St Albans Crown Court in January.

- Joshua Anslow, 20, from Church Road, Studham, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to 2 years and 8 months.

- Tyler Ogden-Hooper, 20, currently of HM Prison, St Loyes Street, Bedford, was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles. He was also sentenced to 9 months, to run concurrently for the dangerous driving to which he pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. He was also disqualified from driving for 40 months (3 years 4 months) and will have to take the extended driving test.

Tyler Ogden-Hooper was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehiclesTyler Ogden-Hooper was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles
Tyler Ogden-Hooper was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles
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- George Wadsworth, 19, from Hillborough Crescent, Houghton Regis, was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles.

- Reece Wheeler, 20, from HM Prison, St Loyes Street, Bedford, was sentenced to 4 years and 2 months for conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal vehicles.

A fifth man is wanted in connection with these offences. Reece White, 22, of High Street South, Dunstable, has been summoned to court after failing to appear at court for his trial.

If anyone knows of his whereabouts they are asked to contact police immediately.

Reece White has been summoned to court after failing to appear at court for his trialReece White has been summoned to court after failing to appear at court for his trial
Reece White has been summoned to court after failing to appear at court for his trial
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DC Simon Smith, from the Specialist Investigation Team said: "These were relatively young offenders who had started out on a life of crime.

"Their crimes were of particular concern given the nature of breaking into homes, during the night whilst the occupants were sleeping.

"This was a very involved investigation, but one where the pieces of the puzzle came together and led us to the gang.

"I hope the time inside provides them with the opportunity to reconsider their life choices.”

*Hertfordshire Police do not have a photo of Joshua Anslow.

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