TWO men who carried out 44 burglaries of commercial premises around the country have been jailed for four years.

During a nine month long spree the pair raided garden centres, tourist attractions, service stations, golf clubs, cafes, garages, shops and other businesses in the South West, North Yorkshire and Cheshire between September 2024 and June this year.

Jason Robbins, 34, of Den Road, Teignmouth, and Andrew Holland, 36, of Truro Avenue, Torquay admitted a single charge of conspiracy to burgle.

At Exeter Crown Court, prosecutor Miss Pip Harper said the pair stole £13,760 in cash, £15,790 of property and caused £24,350 damage to the premises where they struck.

They were caught using CCTV and phone evidence but DNA was also found on some of Holland's blood at one site and a discarded cigarette left by Robbins at another.

Judge James Patrick jailed them both for four years and banned them from driving for two years from the time they are freed from jail.

He said they were prolific offenders who carried out 44 burglaries in Devon and the North East and North West of England.

The judge said it involved significant planning and caused substantial losses and they carried out raids - even a day after being arrested and bailed.

Father of three Robbins has 40 previous convictions for 93 offences and dad of two Holland has nine previous convictions for 115 offences.

The court heard the men said they were ‘stupid opportunists’ and their acts were not of ‘criminal masterminds’.

Defence lawyers said sometimes they left empty handed or with just some food and a small amount of cash.

The court heard both men turned to using cocaine following family bereavements and funded their habits with the break ins.