TWO men have avoided jail, despite being part of a burglary gang which targeted homes in Basildon.

Thirteen people were arrested by police as part of the operation, which saw officers work undercover to build up evidence.

Thomas Harbour, 19, of Rochester Way, Basildon, admitted three counts of handling stolen goods and was given an 18-month community order by Southend Crown Court.

Robert Balloch, 20, of Southwark Path, Basildon, admitted two burglaries in Fieldings, Pitsea, and Sherbourne Drive, Basildon, and to handling a stolen BMW.

He was given a community order for two years.

Judge Jonathan Black, sitting at the court, said they were part of a gang connected to a string of burglaries.

He added: “You and your colleague have preyed on the people of south Essex. You have been involved in burglaries and others have been involved in handling stolen goods.

“It’s quite clear the burglaries were being committed to order.”

The court heard Balloch was already serving a jail term for actual bodily harm and had been released on licence to Felmores bail hostel when he committed the offences.

But John Caudle, mitigating, told the court he had turned his life around while in prison and had received brilliant feedback.

He added: “These are the most glowing reports I’ve seen in many years. Everybody is impressed with him and what he’s achieved in custody.”

Harbour was also given a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement, ordered to attend a substance abuse programme and education, training and employment programme. Balloch was also given a substance misuse programme to attend.

Judge Black warned the pair if they were brought before him for breaching their conditions they would be jailed.