Four prolific burglars have been jailed after a London-wide investigation to locate the men, which included burglaries in Ealing. 

A joint investigation between officers from North and West London, as well as the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad, which lasted two and a half months managed to locate a group of four men who burgled £39,695 worth of jewellery and £13,340 in cash. 

John Casey, 43, and Michael Casey, 47, of Kingfisher Lane, Billinghurst, West Sussex, Martin Moloney, 42, of North Road, West Drayton, and Sean McGoldrick, 50, of Pinewood Road, Iver pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary on Tuesday 4th April. 

Detective Superintendent Simon Moring, from the Met's Central Specialist Crime - Flying Squad, said: "This investigation focused on a prolific team of burglars who specifically targeted the elderly and vulnerable.  

"They posed as legitimate workmen, enabling them to enter the homes of their victims. Some of the property they stole had sentimental value and is irreplaceable." 

John Casey was sentenced to eight years and six months imprisonment, Michael Casey received seven years and nine months, Moloney got five years and four months, and McGoldrick was sentenced to six years and six months. 

In each offence, the suspects would knock at the door of an elderly occupier and introduce themselves. They would then engage in conversation with the occupant and enter the house to look for plumbing issues, then ask the householder to remove items form under the sink. 

This interaction would serve to distract the occupier. 

Michael Casey, Maloney and McGoldrick would then enter premises and search for cash, jewellery, watches and gold. John Casey would wait outside in the mission vehicle ready to make their escape. 

The bulk of the value of items taken came in West London when £23,720 worth of gold and jewelled rings, bangles, and earrings was taken. 

The burglaries happened in Ealing, Tower Hamlets, Colindale, Barnet, Greenwich, Hillingdon, Brent, Enfield, Hounslow, Islington and Barnet. 

Detective Superintendent Moring said: "They were sophisticated in their offending and forensically aware. They frequently changed vehicles to evade capture.  

"I should like to thank the members of the public who provided police with information and CCTV footage.  

"I should also like to pay tribute to all officers and staff who have worked tirelessly to bring about these convictions."