A GANG of six – including a boy aged just 15 – have been sentenced for a string of more than 40 burglaries across the region, including Potters Bar.

Kingston Crown Court heard offences were committed across an area as far north as Bedford, and as far south as Southampton.

On February 22, a resident of Wroxham Gardens, Potters Bar, discovered his front door open, the court was told.

When he looked out, he saw his BMW being driven off at speed.

A police patrol picked up the vehicle and followed it until the driver – a 17-year-old boy – decamped on the M40. He was caught and arrested.

Four of the gang members were arrested three days later when the stolen vehicle they were in crashed at junction 13 of the M1.

They were then linked to numerous other offences.

Speaking after their sentencing, detective sergeant Paul Hedges from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s county prolific offender team said: “Tackling callous burglars who try to profit from the more vulnerable members in our communities has long been a priority in Hertfordshire.

“The proactive operation we set up with our partners in neighbouring forces including the Metropolitan Police Service and Thames Valley Police aimed to deal with such offenders and this sentencing demonstrates the value in working together to bring them to justice.”

Detective constable Janine Horn of the Metropolitan Police Service said: “This group have shown no regard for the law or their victims, particularly picking on the old and vulnerable who they seem to have regarded as easy pickings. “This has been an investigation complicated by the number of incidents and geographical spread of the crimes.

“The movement of vehicles was tracked across the region even though number plates were changed around, witness accounts ensured we were able to prove the guilt of those involved.”