A BURGLAR who led police on a car chase around Basildon has been jailed for five years.

Lewis Matthews, 22, of Brooke House, Basildon, admitted two burglaries, three thefts and making a false representation.

Basildon Crown Court heard that a Peugeot 208 and a Volkswagen Touareg were stolen during a burglary in Recreation Avenue, Harold Hill, at about 1.30am on June 20th, Less than two hours later, residents in Silverdale, Corringham, were woken by someone stealing their BMW. They also attempted to steal a second vehicle but were distracted and drove off.

Five minutes later the vehicle activated a police camera and officers signalled to the car to pull over.

A pursuit then took place with the suspects abandoning the vehicle in Hoover Drive, Basildon, and running off.

Matthews was arrested following a short police chase.

Officers later found the stolen Volkswagen and items from both burglaries were found inside.

During the investigation it was also found that a bank card belonging to the first victim was used in a shop to make a purchase.

Investigating officer PC Richard Dines, of Grays CID, said: “The suspects in both incidents forced their way into their victim’s homes as they slept before stealing cars from their driveways.

“One victim was put through a terrifying situation where she was awoken to find the suspects outside her home.

“We are continuing to investigate the burglaries to bring the other perpetrators to justice. It didn’t take us long to catch up with Matthews, who is now serving a prison sentence for his crimes.”

Matthews was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court and received five years for one burglary, four years for a second burglary, three year sentences for three theft counts and six months for the dishonesty charge, all to run concurrently.

Anyone with information about either burglary is asked to contact PC Dines at Grays CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.