A GANG of thieves snatched four cars from outside their owners’ homes during a string of overnight burglaries which left the victims tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Georgia Allen, 20, Jack Higgleton, 22, and Daniel Davidson, 19, targeted homes in both Billericay and Wickford during their spree.

Basildon Crown Court was told the trio carried out raids on three homes and drove off with four cars worth a combined total of £78,000.

Only two of the vehicles have been recovered since the thefts, which took place overnight on October 6, 2019.

During sentencing on Friday, prosecutor Steven Attridge said police were first contacted about the thefts by a suspicious witness who saw a group of people with multiple cars.

Higgleton and Allen were sentenced after admitting four counts of theft and four counts of burglary.

They have also admitted another charge of attempted burglary, which will lie on their files.

Higgleton was handed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, ordered to carry out 30 days of rehabilitation requirement activity and 120 hours unpaid work.

Mitigating for Higgleton, Andrew Cohen, said: “He had a tough time after his father committed suicide and he became a disruptive child but has been making big changes in his life.”

Speaking to Higgleton, Judge Shane Collery, said: “I say you had a significant role as you drove one the cars away and stealing cars cannot happen without this. If you are going to steal cars in this way then the punishment should be immediate custody. I am conscious your early life was difficult.”

Allen, of Reede Road, Dagenham, was sentenced to a community order for a year, which includes carrying out 150 hours of unpaid work.

She and Higgleton were also ordered to pay costs of £1,800.

Mitigating for Allen, Daniel O’Donoghue told the court she performed a “limited function”.

He added: “She was shy, naive and susceptible to the suggestions of others.”

Davidson, 19, of Sunningdale Avenue, Rainham, is due to be sentenced for four counts of burglary with intent to steal, four counts of theft, attempted burglary with intent to steal, possession of cocaine with intent and possession of heroin with intent.

His sentencing was adjourned due to other outstanding matters at other courts.