TWO men have been each jailed for six years after carrying out a string of burglaries and car thefts across Halton and the surrounding area.

Anthony Ballard, 26, of Bride Street, Liverpool, and Martin James McQuilliams, 28, from Liverpool, were jailed today at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.

The pair admitted committing a total of 16 burglaries and stealing six cars between 24 June and 29 July this year in Widnes, Runcorn, the Sankey and Penketh areas of Warrington and Prescot in Merseyside.

Detective Sergeant Marc Roberts, of Widnes Local Policing Unit, said: “Burglary is a despicable crime and targets people in the one place they should feel safest - in their own homes.

“The impact of this should not be underestimated. The conclusion of this case today means that two serial burglars have been jailed for a significant period of time.

"Cheshire Constabulary is committed to tackling burglary offences and we will continue to target those who come into Cheshire to commit crime."