Two prolific burglars who were arrested at Southend Airport just days after carrying out a burglary will be jailed for their crime.

Ricky Lambert, 30 from Lillechurch Road, Dagenham was found guilty of burglary by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, June 28.

Alec Deeble, 27, of no fixed address pleaded guilty before the trial after they had previously denied the offences on Friday, March 2.

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 watched stolen.

After reviewing CCTV, Deeble and Lambert 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 after which they forced entry to the building, stole items and drove off.

Essex Police officers were able to identify both suspects and received information that Lambert had gone to Amsterdam for the weekend.

They waited at Southend Airport on Sunday, January 7 as Deeble went to pick Lambert up in the same vehicle he used in the burglary.

Lambert arrived at the airport wearing the same coat he wore during 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: “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 the past.

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

Deeble and Lambert are due to be sentenced at a later date.