Cocky Devon teenagers sentenced for seven week crime spree

Two teenagers who carried out a seven week long crime spree which included ram raids to steal vapes and breaking into people's homes in the middle of the night, often while their victims were sleeping, have been sentenced in court.

The 16-year-old, of South Molton, and the 17-year-old, from Exeter - who cannot be named for legal reasons - both admitted conspiracy to commit a burglary with intent to steal. They were caught bragging in videos on their mobile phone about their exploits.

The pair were finally arrested in Exeter in September after police said they carried out 16 burglaries and an attempted break in.

The teenagers stole car keys and other items from homes. They carried out ram raids on stores in Cheriton Bishop and Bampton, Devon, stealing hundreds of pounds worth of vapes which were recovered at the 16-year-old's home.

Other burglaries happened in Exeter, Chawleigh, Witheridge, Puddington and Tiverton, with crimes often taking place between 2am and 4am. They filmed themselves driving away in stolen cars which they damaged and abandoned.

Exeter Magistrate Court heard the offences happened between July and September this year. The 17-year-old was sentenced to Youth Rehabilitation Order with intensive supervision. The 16-year-old was sentenced to a 12 month referral order.

The younger defendant told the JPs he would be angry, upset and concerned for safety if someone broke into his family home.

The magistrates told him: "We don't want to see you here again - clear off."