The two Bernie McDonaghs – who lived 100 miles apart and are reported not to be related – were sentenced last week after carrying out a series of thefts in and around Coventry.

They stole goods including a 55-inch television, watches and other jewellery, and a single yellow floral pillowcase.

Police tracked down the pair with the help of DNA, as well as CCTV footage connecting a Black Lexus to a number of the burglaries and attempted burglaries.

One of the men, a 56-year-old living in Romford, was sentenced to four years, nine months and two weeks’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a £228 victim’s surcharge.

The other, a 35-year-old living in Coventry, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a £187 victim’s surcharge.

DI Alan Hands of Warwickshire Police’s serious organised and acquisitive crime team said: “The McDonaghs were of the opinion that they could go from house to house across the country and take what they liked, when they liked, without any repercussions.

“They used the same car each time and were caught on CCTV repeatedly, indicating that they took very little care in trying to remain unseen.

“It has been a pleasure for us to bring this little piece of reality to them through this prison sentence, and to give the victims of these burglaries the reassurance that they have been suitably punished for their crimes.”