Two men have been jailed after stealing thousands of pounds in cash during burglaries of businesses across Bath, Bristol and North Somerset.

Connor Moore and Joseph Nash pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit burglary after evidence was presented of them being involved in a series of break-ins and thefts targeting pubs and other companies to steal cash.

In total, they admitted to being involved in eight burglaries and two further attempted burglaries that happened between October and December 2022.

CCTV footage recovered during our investigation showed the pair using tools to break into the businesses to steal cash.

The first incident happened in the early hours of 22nd October last year where the pair tried to force their way into a restaurant in Chew Stoke, but were unsuccessful and left empty handed. However, an hour later they manage to get into a sports club, in south Bristol, and the pair could be seen attacking a CCTV camera before making off with a safe, containing a quantity of cash.

A week later and the duo committed a burglary at a pub in Nailsea and again managed to make off with money after searching the premises.

Moore and Nash continued over the following weeks to target other pubs and restaurants in Bath, Pensford, Bedminster, Clifton and Hanham, as well as a bakery in Backwell.

Their final burglary, on 1st December, at a hotel near Long Ashton, saw the pair disturbed and a physical altercation occurred, but they managed to flee the scene.

Moore, 28, and Nash, 36, were identified by officers through CCTV, phone work, forensics and information provided by the public. The pair were both arrested within minutes of each other on 15th December and subsequently charged.

Moore, of Crosscombe Drive in Hartcliffe, received a custodial sentence of two-and-a-half years at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 15th September. Nash, of Coldpark Gardens in Bishopsworth, received a jail sentence two months longer.

Detective Inspector Keith Smith said: "Two prolific and ruthless burglars have been jailed for their relentless targeting of pubs and restaurants across the force area.

"Our dedicated burglary team progressed the investigation over several weeks, attending scenes, reviewing hours of CCTV footage and following all possible lines of enquiry from information provided by the public. This work allowed officers to identify two possible suspects who were swiftly arrested. Searches were conducted at both of the suspects' home addresses, where crucial items of clothing were located matching what had been seen on CCTV.

"Officers were able to evidence a clear relationship between the pair and forensic evidence was used to place Moore at one of the crime scenes. This coupled with the distinctive and identifiable clothing worn by the suspects during the offences helped officers build a strong case, for which both offenders pleaded guilty.

"Many pubs and restaurants have struggled with financial issues following the Covid-19 pandemic. Moore and Nash made this situation much worse for our victims, who were left to deal with the damage and financial loss they caused.

"This result wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of all the victims, as well as the general public who provided crucial pieces of evidence."

Free advice on how to protect your business or home from thieves, is available on Avon and Somerset Police's website.