FIVE men have been sentenced after using a crowbar to break into a Caversham home in a masked burglary.

Troy Pieper, aged 33, of South View Avenue, Caversham, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

Craig Pieper, aged 38, of Grove Hill, Emmer Green, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.

Dwaine Joseph, aged 36, of Ian Mikardo Way, Caversham, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.

Jake Horwood, aged 31, formerly of Caversham Road, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.

Rhys Cunningham, aged 28, of South view Avenue, Caversham, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

The five men have been sentenced to imprisonment after they targeted a property in Caversham at around 10.50pm on May 18, 2020.

Four men, wearing masks, broke in with a crowbar at the front door.

The four men went into the property when a child and woman were in the property. They took jewellery and cash.

The men then made their escape in the vehicle that was waiting outside with the fifth man acting as a getaway driver.

No one was injured during the incident.

All five men were convicted by jury, on one count each of burglary, following an 11-day trial at Reading Crown Court. They were sentenced at the same court on Monday, August 14.

The men were arrested between May 2020 and July 2020. Following extensive enquiries they were charged in March 2021.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Adam Tarrant, based at Reading, said: “This was a concerning incident for the occupant of the property, and the fear of someone breaking into your home in the night wearing a mask can not be underestimated.

“I am satisfied that these men have been convicted and sentenced for their crimes.

“I hope this also serves as an example that we take offences such as these seriously and we will investigate and bring offenders to justice.”