MEMBERS of a criminal gang from Poole have been jailed after stealing more than £60,000 worth of tools during a “wide-scale burglary operation” lasting 11 months.

Jason Traves, Kane White, Ashley Whiffen, Darall Bull and Lewis Bale had all previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal before being sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Wednesday.

The court heard that the conspiracy operation related to offences including handling stolen goods, non-dwelling burglary and theft of and from vehicles across Dorset between January and November 2014.

In November 2014 officers from Dorset Police’s Priority Crime Investigation Team arrested the five men at addresses in Hamworthy.

On Wednesday 45-year-old Traves was jailed for 21 months, and 29-year-old White was given an 18-month sentence.

Whiffen, 22, was handed a three-month jail term suspended for 15 months and given a three-month curfew.

Bull, 24, was given a 26-week jail term suspended for 15 months and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Bale, 30, was handed a 10-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and also ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work.

Detective Constable Martin Farrington, of Dorset Police’s Priority Crime Team, said the gang targeted vehicles and outbuildings that stored expensive tools.

“Traves, White, Whiffen, Bull and Bale were behind a large-scale theft and burglary operation across Dorset,” he said.

“In many cases, they deprived workmen and builders of the tools they needed to carry out their work, having a massive impact on their livelihood and that of their families.

“Often the tools would end up in the hands of less scrupulous, dishonest tradesmen who undercut honest tradesmen on jobs.

“I hope the sentences handed out will prevent others from committing such crime.”

He added: “My final message to the public is – do not be complacent. If you see someone acting suspiciously in your area, please call us on 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress so we can send officers and investigate.”