Two men have been jailed for a combined 10 years and two months after detectives uncovered an organised burglary operation linked to more than £700,000 worth of stolen property in London.

The Metropolitan Police said the gang had attempted to dig a tunnel into a jewellery shop in south London, but officers intervened before the planned raid could be completed. The investigation also connected the group to a series of other burglaries.

The case highlights the scale of organised retail and jewellery crime facing businesses in the capital, where high-value goods can attract criminal networks targeting premises and storage facilities.

Police said the investigation brought together evidence linking the suspects to multiple offences. The sentences mark the latest development in efforts to disrupt organised burglary groups and protect retailers from serious financial losses.

For jewellery businesses and independent retailers, the case underlines the importance of physical security, surveillance systems and reporting suspicious activity to police.

The Metropolitan Police said the convictions followed a detailed investigation into the group’s activities. The case demonstrates how coordinated police work can help prevent major thefts and bring those responsible before the courts.