Two prolific burglars who broke into a house in Chigwell and stole cash and expensive men’s watches are facing jail time. Ricky Lambert, 30, of Lillechurch Road, Dagenham, and Alec Deeble, 27, of no fixed abode, were arrested at Southend Airport just days after carrying out the burglary at a house in Hainault Road, Chigwell.

At around 11.30pm on Friday, January 5, a man returned to his home and discovered that he had been burgled with cash and expensive men’s watches stolen.

After reviewing CCTV, Deeble and Lambert followed the victim back to his home address in two vehicles at around 4pm.

They monitored the house and waited for the man to leave before returning at 6.45pm. They then forced entry to the building, stole items and drove off.

Essex Police officers identified both suspects and received information that Lambert had gone to Amsterdam for the weekend.

While waiting at Southend Airport on Sunday, January 7, as Deeble went to pick Lambert up in the same car he used in the burglary, officers witnessed Lambert arrived wearing the same coat he wore during the burglary.

The pair were arrested and a key belonging to the victim was found under the front passenger seat of Deeble’s car.

Investigating officer DC Ricky Rodd, from Loughton CID, said: “Deeble and Lambert thought they had got away it, with one flying abroad just days later.

“They thought wrong and we arrested Lambert at the airport gate when he returned and Deeble as waited for Lambert outside.

“I would like to thank the victim for his support and co-operation during our investigation. Lambert and Deeble are prolific burglars who have worked together the past. Hopefully, that trip to Amsterdam will be last for a while.”

Lambert was found guilty of burglary by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, June 28, while Deeble pleaded guilty before the trial after they had previously denied the offences on Friday, March 2.

They are both due to be sentenced at a later date.