A TEAM of sophisticated burglars who targeted shops and chemists all over the country were jailed for a total of eight years yesterday.

The gang, all from Sunderland, hid surveillance equipment in roof spaces to film staff using alarm key codes.

They then entered at night taking large quantities of cash and cigarettes.

In North Yorkshire, they targeted stores in York, Ripon, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside.

In April last year, 50 officers from North Yorkshire teamed up with Northumbria Police, arresting nine people and searching 12 houses.

Seven men were convicted at Leeds Crown Court last month for conspiracy to burgle.

Yesterday they were sentenced. John Thomas Campbell, 42, got two and a half years, Brian Ganley, 38, got nine months, suspended, Michael Sim, 43, was given a six months curfew order and Terence Walker, 39, got two years. Tony Hall, 37, David Hawkes, 45 and Lee Metcalfe, 30 were each jailed for 21 months.

Detective Inspector Dai Malyn said: "They operated for many years and I am pleased their activities have finally been brought to an end."