Car raiders jailed for total of 10 years

The 12-man team reconnoitred properties in Wakefield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Ilkley and Gomersal before returning at night to break in and take keys to cars parked on driveways.

Two BMWs, two Audis, a Range Rover and a Volkswagen Golf were among the vehicles stolen by the gang, all from Bradford. An LCD flat-screen television and bank cards were also stolen.

Scott Priestley, 32, of Edward Street, Bradford, was sentenced to four years in prison; John Trotter, 22, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 21 months; Adneel Ahmed, 26, of Burras Road, East Bowling; was sentenced to 17 months; and Kevin Gowthorpe, 28, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 14 months. All had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle. Other members of the gang received various sentences for handling stolen goods.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: "This was a sophisticated conspiracy. The vast majority were at night while the occupants, some of these children, lay asleep in their beds.

"This was a professional, persistent and determined campaign. I'm satisfied that the public needs to be protected from you."

Three other men, Mohammed Amin, Steffan Grogan and Steven Doherty, will be sentenced at a later date.