A CRIMINAL gang from Lithuania have been jailed for their part in a conspiracy to burgle homes across Worcestershire.

The gang targeted retired people or those who had left their homes empty while on holiday as they raided houses

in Worcester, Malvern, Upton, Droitwich and Evesham.

The four men have been jailed for a combined total of 35 years for their role in a conspiracy to burgle 120 homes in just four weeks and steal more than £200,000 of jewellery.

The trial at Shrewsbury Crown Court heard how they carried out burglaries in the Worcester area at Kielder Rise, Osprey Close, Cormorant Rise, Bevere Drive, Bevere Close, Grange Avenue, Colin Road, Northwick Road, Launceston Place, Ludlow Avenue and at Knapp Lane and Arrow View in Ledbury.

Burglars also struck in Alexandra Road and Oakfield Road in Malvern, at Hill View Gardens, William Tennant Way and Ham View in Upton and at Andrews Drive and Blackberry Way in Evesham and The Meadows, Buckfield Drive, Clifford Road and Herbert Road, all in Leominster, and at Nuffield Drive in Droitwich.

The men were found guilty after a trial and sentenced to a combined total of 35 and a half years.

They were also behind burglaries across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, North Wales and Staffordshire.

All four men were sentenced today (Thursday) after being found guilty of one count of conspiracy to burgle 120 homes.

Gytis Dambaokas, 30, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.

Tomas Juospaitis, 31, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Grazvydas Kasarauskas, 34, of no fixed abode, in the UK, was sentenced to eleven years in prison.

Giedrius Batutis, 33, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to ten years in prison.

All four defendants had previously pleaded not guilty to the offences which took place between July and October last year (2015).

A jury heard the thieves targeted the homes of the retired, bungalows in a quiet residential areas and often properties where the occupants were away on holiday.

The gang selected houses that were empty and where the curtains were closed and took iPads, laptops and similar portable objects, along with items of gold and silver jewellery.

The four men were found to have conspired to target properties which had been left secure, but vacant, by home owners who were away on holiday or visiting friends or family when the offences took place last year.

They entered properties by force, often using a screwdriver to prise open locked doors and windows, to gain entry. They then searched the homes and were found to have made off with an estimated value of more than £200,000 pounds worth of jewellery.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Chatting led on the investigation. He said: "These offences were undoubtedly concerning for the individuals targeted by this group of men, who gave no thought to the concern and distress they inflicted on their victims as they proceeded to ransack their homes.

"Thanks to the thorough and detailed investigation conducted by officers in Shrewsbury, West Mercia Police were able to link offences in Shropshire to offences across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, North Wales and Staffordshire.

"A further phase of the investigation then successfully identified the individuals responsible for more than120 offences who were until this time unknown to UK police forces.

"We were able to build a clearer picture of the scale of the offences by working with colleagues in Central Motorway Police Group, regional road policing, our major investigation unit as well as neighbouring forces to build a case which has ultimately ensured these individuals are held accountable for their criminality.

"Our hard work was recognised by Judge James Tindal with particular praise given to DC Benjamin Docherty and DC Della Grice for their diligence and professionalism.

"We hope that this investigation and sentence will send a strong message to those individuals who are planning to travel and commit serious crime in Warwickshire or West Mercia policing areas and we will work tirelessly to ensure you are identified and brought to justice for your crimes."

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Judge is the alliance lead on burglary and advises all home owners to ensure they take the necessary steps in order to protect their properties. He said: "Homes with no visible security or those which appear unattended or have access to the side or rear are often targeted by offenders.

"Taking simple steps such as leaving your lights on, investing in timer switches and external lighting can significantly reduce the risk of being targeted.

"If you are going away on holiday ask a friend or neighbour to give the impression that someone is home and help elderly neighbours keep their homes secure as they are often more vulnerable."