Two prolific burglars have been jailed after being convicted of a series of crimes.

Nicholas Nelson, aged 28, of Lingfield Avenue in Sale earlier pleaded guilty to burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

He has today, Wednesday 12 November 2008, been sentenced to two years in a Young Offender's Institute.

Damien Hinds, aged 28, of Totnes Road in Trafford also pleaded guilty to burglary and aggravated vehicle taking at an earlier hearing.

He has also been jailed for two years.

These offences relate to a burglary at a house in Sale on 30 May 2008.

In the early hours of that Friday the victims were in bed in their house on Woodheys Drive when Nelson and Hinds broke in through the back door, which was insecure.

When inside they stole some cigarettes, and the keys to the victim's Ford Focus, which was parked on the driveway.

They then stole the car too, and began driving it recklessly around the area, despite neither of them having driving licences.

Some officers on routine patrol saw the Focus drive past them and recognised Nelson as driving and Hinds as the passenger.

They started to follow the car. Nelson drove at speeds of up to 60mph around residential areas in order to escape the police, which he succeeded in doing.

However, the pair were traced and arrested.

Sergeant Phil Seeley from the Burglary Unit at Stretford, said: "Nelson and Hinds are prolific burglars who persistently target people's homes for small gain. It is almost as if they just do it for enjoyment, rather than any monetary gain, paying absolutely no regard to how much they frighten their victims, making them feel insecure in their own homes. The people of Sale will certainly be much safer with them off the streets.

"I also want to take this opportunity to ask people for their help in preventing burglars from getting what they want. It is a fact that one in three burglaries happen because houses have been left insecure. Please do not let these criminals get what they want. Lock up, and keep them out."

Three weeks ago Chief Constable Peter Fahy launched GMP's Operation Guardian, warning people to lock their doors and take all possible precautions to guard against would-be thieves.

Driving down burglary is a Force priority, and over the next few months there will be a surge in police activity targeting burglars.

More officers will be patrolling the streets to act as a deterrent to thieves, disrupt criminal activity and reassure residents living in vulnerable areas.

Crime prevention advice promoting the 'Lock-up, Keep them out!' message will also be circulated to communities across the Force, paying particular attention to the hotspot areas.