A Dagenham man and his accomplice have today been sentenced to a total of 11 years behind bars after burgling a Chigwell home.

Ricky Lambert, 30, of Lillechurch Road, Dagenham, received six years for burglary at Ipswich Crown Court today (Thursday, August 2) after previously being found guilty.

Alec Deeble, 27, of no fixed address, received five years after previously pleaded guilty at the same hearing.

At around 11.30pm on Friday, January 5, a man returned to his home in Hainault Road, Chigwell, and discovered that he had been burgled with cash and expensive men’s watches stolen.

After reviewing CCTV, police officers discovered that Deeble and Lambert had followed the victim back to his home address in two vehicles at around 4pm.

They monitored the address and waited for the victim to leave before returning at 6.45pm.

They then forced entry to the building, stole items and drove off.

Essex Police identified both suspects and received information that Lambert had gone to Amsterdam for the weekend.

On Sunday, January 7, both men were arrested at Southend Airport – Deeble had gone to pick Lambert up in the very vehicle the pair used in the burglary.

Lambert arrived at the airport wearing the same coat he wore during the planning of the burglary before both were arrested.

A key belonging to the victim was found under the front passenger seat of Deeble’s car.

Investigating officer Det Con Ricky Rodd, from Loughton CID, said: “This outcome means two prolific burglars have been sent to prison for a number of years.

“Our communities can only be safer places to live with Lambert and Deeble locked in prison cells. I hope this outcome offers justice to the victim.”

Speaking before the sentencing, he had added: “Deeble and Lambert thought they had got away it, with one flying abroad just days later.

“They thought wrong and we arrested Lambert at the airport gate when he returned, and Deeble as he waited for Lambert outside.

“I would like to thank the victim for his support and co-operation during our investigation.

“Lambert and Deeble are prolific burglars who have worked together in the past.

“Hopefully, that trip to Amsterdam will be the last for a while.”