A GANG of would-be thieves had a ‘kit’ in the boot of their car containing a mask, cable ties and tools.

Police said it was impossible to tell what the group-of-four planned to do with the items, but that they were sure they had stopped a potentially dangerous crime from happening.

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The men were pulled over in their Alfa Romeo Guilietta in the Halifax Road and Malliff Road area of Briercliffe early one morning in May last year.

When officers searched the vehicle, they found the items in the back.

Also among the evidence was a chisel, screwdriver, gloves and a hammer.

Cleon Reis, 28, from Barnet, and Scott Woodhead, 26, of Potters Bar, were each sentenced to 15 months in prison when they appeared at Burnley Crown Court after they both pleaded guilty to two counts of going equipped for theft.

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Naveed Noble, 25, of Hounslow, and Usman Mukhtar, 22, from London, both admitted one count of going equipped for theft. Noble was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and Mukhtar was given an eight-month jail term, which was also suspended for two years.

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Speaking after the hearing, a police spokesman said it was possible the gang could have been on their way to commit a serious offence.

He said: “This case is a good example of pro-active policing which is a key feature of what we do in order to ensure the public remain safe.

“The sentences reflect the preventative nature of the police action rather than a punishment for an act committed and will hopefully send out a message to others about how this type of proactive policing will continue to catch those who intend to behave this way.”

Cllr Roger Frost, who represents the Briercliffe ward on Burnley Council, said he was shocked to hear the men had travelled so far.

He said: “I have heard this sort of thing happening before, but I thought it was more localised, with people from Manchester or Liverpool.

“I am really surprised they have come so far.

“It seems incredible because there must have been easier targets elsewhere with them being from north and west London.

“However, I am pleased that this case has been resolved.

“It is a bit worrying that this kind of thing can happen, but I suppose it is one of the side effects of increased communications and cars that criminals can travel to wherever they want to go.

“It looks like the police have done a great job and we should commend them for their vigilance in this instance.”