A GANG of burglars who committed more than 170 offences across three counties have been jailed for a combined total of almost 27 years..

SEVEN thieves have been locked up for a total of nearly 27 years after admitting more than 170 offences across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.

Their crime spree against homes and businesses netted them a haul of electrical goods, cars and in one case wedding rings, worth more than �335,000.

Three of the gang, who styled themselves the 'Nacton Sickheads' even carried out in excess of 50 more burglaries, thefts, or attempted theft while on crown court bail for around 120 other offences.

They were so pleased with themselves after some of the burglaries, thefts or attempted thefts that they filmed themselves in stolen cars and lorries, or with cash, on their mobile phones.

Tyren Brooks, Timay Denton, Daniel Fiddes, Paul Stevenson, Daniel Pugh, Tom Nicholls and Paul Watchman, all of Ipswich, were sentenced at the town's crown court yesterday after admitting conspiring to burgle and steal.

Stevenson, 23, of Wellington Street, was jailed for seven years, Pugh, 18, of Spring Road, and Fiddes, 18, of Star Lane, were both given five-year terms in detention, while Watchman, 24, of Schreiber Road was given two-and-a-half years in prison.

Brooks, who was 20 yesterday, of Elliott Street, was given a total of three years detention, while Nicholls, 18, of Levington Road received two years detention.

Denton, 21, of Jovian Way, was jailed for two years for the conspiracy, and an additional four months for handling stolen goods.

Judge Peter Fenn told the gang that many of the victims of the 170-plus offences were left extremely upset.

He said: “Behind that string of statistics lie a vast number of innocent victims. Each domestic burglary has left behind distraught householders.”

The court heard many had been devastated by the sense of insecurity in their own homes and the loss of their property.

Judge Fenn added: “Sometimes the individual never gets over it and has to sell up and move away in order to escape the memories.”

The court then heard this had happened with one of the victim's in this case, which Judge Fenn described as “extremely serious and prolific offending”.

After the sentencing Detective Inspector Steve Clabburn said: “These seven individuals together were responsible for the theft of over �335,000 worth of items. In total 33 vehicles were stolen including cars, lorries and motorbikes.

“Their crimes affected hundreds of people whose houses and vehicles were broken into, often whilst they were at home.

“The level of offending shows a blatant disregard for the law, and other people. The costs to society of these particular types of offences are significant. They impact on people's everyday lives and really impact on people's feeling of safety within the community they live and work.

“I am very pleased with the sentencing. To me it sends out a clear message that this type of criminality will be treated extremely seriously. I think the sentences reflect that.”

Fiddes, Stevenson, Pugh Nicholls and Watchman all admitted conspiring to burgle and steal between July 15, 2007 and May 15, 2008.

Fiddes, Stevenson, Pugh, Brooks and Denton, pleaded guilty to a separate conspiracy between January 1 and 29 this year.

THE gang targeted areas across Suffolk and into Essex and Norfolk. They caused a steep spike in the Suffolk Constabulary's crime figures during their spree.

The vast majority of their prey was in villages outside the big towns where there was relatively little crime and some people would not always lock their homes or vehicles.

Stevenson, Fiddes and Pugh were said to be the ringleaders of the gang. Although the total number of offences admitted came to more than 170, the defendants individually only admitted to carrying out varying amounts of the thefts, burglaries or attempted thefts.

The areas they targeted were:

Suffolk:-

Ipswich, Holbrook, Brantham, Norton, Stanton, Thurston, Beyton, Elmswell, Melton, Felixstowe, Sudbury, Grundisburgh, Capel St Mary, Onehouse, Bildeston, Copdock, Mendlesham, Debenham, Stowupland, Great Whelnetham, Old Newton.

Norfolk:-

Dickleburgh, Shelfanger

Essex:-

Great Holland, Frinton-on-Sea, Wix, Wrabness, Ramsey, Manningtree, Weeley, Great Bromley, Harwich, Kirby Cross, Clacton-on-Sea.