A WEST Drayton man was among four prolific offenders jailed for multiple distraction burglaries across London.

The organised crime group struck 22 artifice burglaries in just over two months.

Det Supt Simon Moring, of the Flying Squad, said: “They posed as legitimate workmen, enabling them to enter the homes of their victims. Some of the property they stole had sentimental value and is irreplaceable.”

They were jailed at Harrow Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.

They were John Casey, 43, of Billingshurst, Sussex, who was sentenced to eight years and six months.

Michael Casey, 47, of Billingshurst: seven years and nine months.

Martin Moloney, 42, of North Road, West Drayton: five years and four months.

Sean McGoldrick, 50, of Pinewood Road, Iver: six years and six months.

In each offence, the suspects would knock at the door of an elderly occupier and introduce themselves.

They would go inside to look for plumbing issues, then ask the householder to remove items from under the sink. This distracted the occupier.

Three of them searched for cash, jewellery, watches and gold while John Casey waited outside in the getaway vehicle ready to make their escape.

Throughout their spree, the men stole £39,695 worth of jewellery, often from Asian families.

Offences occurred in Tower Hamlets, Colindale, Ealing, Barnet, Greenwich, Hillingdon, Brent, Enfield, Hounslow, Islington and Barnet.