A collision which nearly ended in tragedy led to jailing of three burglars who targeted homes and cars around East Hampshire.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard cars in Alton and Petersfield were stolen by Rhys Andrews, Denzel Fewings and Stanley Lambie.

They were jailed for a total of more than 12 years after admitting to 12 counts of burglary and theft between March and August 2023.

Most of the offences took place close to Portsmouth but the trio stole a purse and bank cards after burgling a home on Canada Way, Liphook, on August 4 last year.

A Vauxhall Mokka was stolen after a house at Complins, Alton, was targeted three days later, while a Volvo V60 was stolen following a burglary at The Causeway, Petersfield, on August 20.

The breakthrough came the next day as a Volvo stolen in Littlehampton the previous night was spotted by police on the Eastern Road in Portsmouth.

The driver Andrews was arrested after his attempt to escape by mounting a curb and going through a red light ended in a collision.

Subsequent enquiries led to Fewings and the recovery of the Volvo stolen in Petersfield, while video and phone data confirmed Lambie’s involvement and a conspiracy to steal vehicles.

Andrews, 23, of Riders Lane, Havant, was jailed for four years and six months after admitting conspiracy to commit burglary, dangerous driving and other driving offences.

Fewings, 24, of Laburnum Road, Waterlooville, received the same sentence after admitting to commit burglary and breaching a suspended sentence.

Lambie, 20, of no fixed abode, was jailed for three years and four months after admitting conspiracy to commit burglary and breaching a suspended sentence. 

Investigating officer, DC Keeka Crewe-Way, said: “This sentence sends a clear message to offenders that we will relentlessly pursue you and secure justice for victims of burglary.”