A man from Sidcup who stole jewellery from Dartford homes has been jailed.

Between October 24, 2023, and November 2, 2023, Patrick Moloney and “criminal associates” travelled into Kent by car.

They broke into multiple houses on the outskirts of Tonbridge and Dartford while residents were absent and “ransacked” them for jewellery, mobile phones and computers.

After forensics examined the scenes and CCTV footage was checked, police found and recovered the car used by the gang.

It was recovered on November 2, 2023, in Wickford, Essex.

The stolen jewellery was also found in addition to 21-year-old Moloney’s DNA.

It was then proved that he had been in the vicinity of the burglaries when they were committed, and Moloney, of Old Maidstone Road, was arrested on December 6, 2023.

He was later charged with eight burglaries.

Moloney pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday (June 27) and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Josh Littley, said: “Moloney and his partners-in-crime broke into houses without considering the impact this would have on the victims, thinking only of stealing portable property to make a quick profit.

"Much of the jewellery was of sentimental value and Moloney should be thoroughly ashamed of his actions.

“Burglary is such an invasive crime and we will leave no stone unturned to track down those responsible.

“In this case, some diligent investigative work ensured Moloney was promptly detained and evidence was recovered to guarantee he was brought to justice.”