FIVE men from Reading have been jailed for a combined total of 28 years following a hearing at Reading Crown Court.
All five were convicted by jury of a count each of burglary at the end of an 11-day trial and sentenced at the same court on Monday, August 14.
It follows an investigation by Thames Valley Police into an incident on May 18, 2020, when, at around 10.50pm, four men broke into a property in Caversham.
After breaking in through the front door with a crowbar, the four men, wearing masks, took jewellery and cash from the property, which was occupied by a woman and a child during the incident.
They then made their escape in a waiting vehicle, with the fifth man acting as a getaway driver.Nobody was injured during the course of the burglary.
All five were then arresting between May and July 2020.
Troy Pieper, aged 33, of South View Avenue, Caversham, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
Craig Pieper, aged 38, of Grove Hill, Emmer Green, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
Dwaine Joseph, aged 36, of Ian Mikardo Way, Caversham, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
Jake Horwood, aged 31, formerly of Caversham Road, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
Rhys Cunningham, aged 28, of South view Avenue, Caversham, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Adam Tarrant, based at Reading, said: “This was a concerning incident for the occupant of the property, and the fear of someone breaking into your home in the night wearing a mask can not be underestimated.
“I am satisfied that these men have been convicted and sentenced for their crimes.
“I hope this also serves as an example that we take offences such as these seriously and we will investigate and bring offenders to justice.”
