A pair of serial burglars have been jailed for four and a half years after homes near Watford were among a dozen targeted in a crime spree spanning three counties.

Properties in Rickmansworth and Kings Langley were among 12 targeted between February 13 and April 11, alongside eight more in in Hemel Hempstead and Brookmans Park in Hertfordshire.

On April 11, Herts Police officers were alerted that a Volvo XC60 which had been linked to break-ins in the county had been spotted on the M25.

A Volvo XC60 which was linked to Herts burglaries was spotted on the M25 in April.A Volvo XC60 which was linked to Herts burglaries was spotted on the M25 in April. (Image: Hertfordshire Police)

The car failed to stop for officers and was only halted by a tactical stop, after which both occupants tried to flee on foot before being caught, arrested and subsequently charged.

A search of the Volvo uncovered stolen jewellery in a white pillowcase.A search of the Volvo uncovered stolen jewellery in a white pillowcase. (Image: Hertfordshire Police) A search of the Volvo also uncovered incriminating evidence such as stolen jewellery hidden in a white pillow case.

Officers established that a burglary had taken place in Surrey on the same night ahead of the arrests, with CCTV from the property showing a white pillow case containing items being taken away by two people.

CCTV showing the pair leaving a house in Surrey which a white pillow case, later found to contain stolen jewellery.CCTV showing the pair leaving a house in Surrey which a white pillow case, later found to contain stolen jewellery. (Image: Hertfordshire Police)

The pair both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle 12 homes and were sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Monday, September 9.

Antonio Bilea, 39 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 56 months in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Antonio Bilea.Antonio Bilea. (Image: Hertfordshire Police) Xhuliano Frroku, 26 and from Wembley, was also sentenced to 56 months in prison, an additional eight months (to run consecutively) for dangerous driving and was disqualified from driving until an extended test is passed. He was also ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.

Xhuliano Frroku.Xhuliano Frroku. (Image: Hertfordshire Police) Detective Constable Simon Smith said: “I’m pleased the two defendants have been given a lengthy prison sentence and taken off the streets.

“Their crimes have had lasting impacts on their victims, due to items taken and the effect that being a burglary victim can have.

“The quick response on the night of Mobile Support Team (MST) to locate the offenders and catch them in possession of stolen items was vital."

Surrey Police Detective Inspector Adam Hewitt added: “The initial circulation of images by Hertfordshire Constabulary was crucial in identifying these defendants as suspects in our cases, and we are pleased to have worked with them as part of a wider burglary investigation. 

“This collaborative approach has ensured these cross-county offenders are now behind bars, demonstrating our commitment to seeking justice, even beyond Surrey’s borders.”