A gang of four burglars who raided a house in Caterham and rammed two police cars during their escape attempt have jailed for more than eight years.

Thomas Delaney, 28, of Rother Crescent in West Sussex, Mark Baker, 21, and Mark Ellis, 19, both of Green Lane in Outwood, were sentenced to jail at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, November 20, for 33 months, 30 months and 34 months respectively, having pleaded guilty at a previous hearing.

A 17-year-old boy from Outwood was handed a 12-month Youth Rehabilitation Order during the same hearing.

The gang broke into a home in Stafford Road on August 6 and filled a bag with jewellery before attempting to escape in a black Audi A3.

Surrey Police were called at about 11.50am and used two police vehicles to try and block the Audi’s escape route.

The gang rammed the police cars and another private car and drove away from the area, but were arrested when officers found the badly damaged Audi abandoned in Nutfield Road in Merstham.

Police constable Helen Rackstraw, who led the investigation, said she was pleased the lengthy sentences would keep the thieves off the streets for a considerable period of time.

She said: “The actions of the gang were extremely dangerous and highly irresponsible and clearly put the lives of the officers and the wider public at risk.

"Fortunately the officers involved in the collisions only suffered minor injuries but this incident once again highlights the dangers police put themselves through on a daily basis to keep the public safe.

"This was clearly a very upsetting incident for the victims for the burglary and although a large amount of the stolen jewellery was recovered we would still like to hear from anyone with information on the items which were taken.”