Two Chilean men who were in the country illegally when they burgled a 96-year-old man’s house will be deported after serving their two jail year sentence.

Marco Antonio Mendez-Medina and his cousin Hector Andrea Suarez-Medina had been in the United Kingdom for three weeks and had overstayed their visa when they broke into a house in Monahan Avenue, Purley.

While their elderly victim was inside his home they stole a watch and cufflinks.

Mendez-Medina, 27, and his cousin Suarez-Medina, 23, were chased through the streets of Purley by police after they were reported to be acting suspiciously near to the address.

After they were arrested on June 2 officers recovered a bag containing a crowbar, screwdrivers and a chisel, along with the victim’s watch and cufflinks.

At Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday, July 7, both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary with intent.

They were jailed for two years each and the court ordered the deportation of both men after serving their sentence.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Paul Holmes said: "This was a detestable crime against an elderly victim who was present in his home at the time of this offence.

"Burglary has a major impact on the community.

"Thankfully in this instance the two suspects have been brought to justice before they could commit any further offences.

"This was in part thanks to diligent members of the community, who alerted police promptly to the suspicious behaviour of the two, enabling officers to apprehend the suspects and recover property of sentimental value to the victim.

"I hope that these sentences act as a deterrent to other people who may be tempted to commit similar offences and show that we will relentlessly pursue those who commit burglary to bring them to justice."