Three serial burglars who targeted shops and other commercial targets in and around Harborough have their jail sentences increased by another 50 per cent

Three serial burglars who targeted shops and other commercial targets in Market Harborough and nearby villages have had their jail sentences increased by another 50 per cent.

Otis William Barrett, 26, Matthew Lawrence Brown, 30, and Terrance Mark Brown, 25, raided 52 outlets across five counties between January and May this year.

The gang stole almost £300,000 worth of cigarettes and wreaked over £100,000 damage as they left a trail of destruction in their wake.

Three High Court judges have now ruled the six-year sentences handed out to the criminals in September were too lenient after being asked to carry out an urgent review by Solicitor General Michael Ellis.

And they have stepped up the prison terms for Barrett, Matthew Brown and Terrance Brown by three years each.

The gang broke into the Co-Op on Coventry Road in Market Harborough late on the night of Sunday February 2 and stole a stash of cigarettes.

The “organised crime group”, who wore balaclavas and used stolen cars, struck Tesco on Market Hill in Rothwell just four days later.

They hit Walcote Service Station on Lutterworth Road, Walcote, at 1am on Saturday March 21.

The serial raiders were finally tracked down and arrested by Northamptonshire Police’s crack Serious and Organised Crime Team.

Now Barrett, of Banbury Close, West Hunsbury, has had three years added to his original six year four month sentence.

Matthew Brown, of Crow Lane, and Terrance Brown, of Glebeland Road, both Northampton, also had their six-year terms upped by three years.

Three High Court judges decided that their sentences were “unduly lenient”.

They backed a case made by Solicitor General Michael Ellis that their string of crimes were so serious that they should serve longer behind bars.

Supt Lee McBride, head of Northamptonshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team, said: “We welcome the ruling from the Solicitor-General which will rightly see the prison terms for these three offenders extended.

“Northamptonshire is a hostile environment for criminals and these lengthy sentences show that crime does not pay.

“Working alongside our partners the serious and organised crime team will pursue those who feel they are above the law and ensure our communities are kept safe.”