THREE men – from Bridgwater, Somerton and Street – have been charged in connection with 20 burglaries in Somerset and Devon.

The incidents have taken place over the last four months, Avon & Somerset Police said, with the trio – Joshua Charles Heal, 25, of Bridgwater; Ethan Sharman, 21, of Somerton, and Andrew Sharman, 44, of Street, charged a number of offences after being arrested on November 15.

Police also said they had recovered hundreds of suspected stolen items after searching four properties, including antique silverware, paintings, furniture and weapons, as well as power tools, garden machinery and electrical items.

All three appeared before Taunton magistrates on Monday (November 18), charged with: conspiring to commit multiple burglaries of dwellings across Somerset and Devon, with intent to steal, between August and November; and conspiring to commit multiple burglaries of buildings other than dwellings, in the same areas and period.

They were all remanded in custody by magistrates ahead of a planned appearance at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, December 20.

READ MORE: Click here for more crime news from your Somerset Leveller

Detective Sergeant Charlie Pulling said: “This is a complex investigation by a dedicated team of officers drawing together expertise from across Avon and Somerset Police.

“Our enquiries continue and we’re working to identify the rightful owners of the property we’ve seized.”

Anyone who thinks their property may be among that seized should email police with a crime reference number, description or photograph of the item, and contact details.

And anyone with more information which could help the investigation should call 101 and give the reference number 5224296989.