Members of an organised crime gang who targeted Asian gold in a string of burglaries are behind bars.

Three men, and a 17-year-old boy, were sentenced for their parts in a crime spree in March and April this year.

Thames Valley Police launched a targeted operation, codenamed "Operation Chrome", after more than 20 burglaries in Slough, High Wycombe, Maidenhead and Hertfordshire.

The majority of the burglaries occurred during the day and early evening, and most involved the use of cars with false number plates.

Entry was often gained by forcing open a door or window with an implement, and jewellery, often Asian gold, and cash was stolen.

The four suspects became the focus of the investigation, and they were subsequently arrested, and eventually charged with conspiracy to burgle.

Francis McCarthy, 37, of Oxford Road, Gerrards Cross, was jailed for three years for burgling two houses; in Albury Drive, Pinner, and another in Slough, both on 12 April 2013. He denied the charge but was found guilty.

The 17-year-old from Hayes, who cannot be named, admitted involvement in these two break-ins and received 12-month youth rehabilitation and supervision orders. He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, and will wear an electronic tag whilst on curfew for three months.

John Maughan (pictured), 38, of Balmoral Drive, Hayes, purchased the vehicles used to commit some of the burglaries. He admitted to conspiracy to burgle, and was jailed for four years.

Martin Maughan, 26, also of Oxford Road, was sentenced to five years and seven months in prison after admitting to involvement in 12 of the burglaries.

All four will be on licence when released.

Detective Constable Christian Parker, who led the investigation, said: "I am pleased with the sentences handed to these four individuals which illustrates the severity of their criminality.

"The majority of incidents involved the theft of high-value property which undoubtedly caused a great degree of economic and sentimental loss to the victims involved, let alone the emotions they had to endure knowing that their homes had been ransacked."

They were sentenced at Reading Crown Court on December 20.