A Bexleyheath man was among four burglars who threatened a family with weapons during an early morning home invasion. 

The gang went to a house near Luton Road in Chatham on September 8 last year armed with bladed weapons, wearing gloves and with their faces obscured by masks or balaclavas. 

They gained entry to the house then woke the family up and assaulted one of them. 

The thugs then stole two watches and two phones before fleeing the property. 

However, a mask found near the crime scene contained DNA belonging to Rogel Dumitru, 20, of Mayplace Road East in Bexleyheath. 

Enquiries revealed Dumitru had travelled from Bexleyheath to Chatham and that he had also been in contact with accomplices on Ion Vasile, Denis Calin and Robert Maytum. 

All four men were arrested later that month. 

Vasile, Maytum and Dumitru pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary whilst Calin was convicted of burglary following a trial. 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Dan Bister, said: “This was a premeditated crime during which a family were terrorised in their own home. 

“The threats with weapons will have left a lasting impact on the victims and those responsible should be ashamed of their actions. A meticulous investigation ensured the main culprits were identified, swiftly arrested and are now starting lengthy prison sentences. 

“I would like to thank the victims and other witnesses who assisted our investigation and ensured these violent criminals are no longer a threat to other Medway households.” 

At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday (June 14) Vasile, 22, of Boxley Road in Maidstone, was jailed for eight years and five months. 

Maytum, 36, of Great South Avenue in Chatham, was jailed for seven years and two months. 

Calin, 20, of Albany Road in Chatham, was jailed for seven years. 

Dumitru will be sentenced at a later date.