Coming towards them and being driven by an unknown man was one of their family cars, a silver Mercedes.

The victims tried to give chase but lost the vehicle in traffic. When they arrived back home they discovered a break-in and the keys to their Mercedes stolen, along with the car and some jewellery.

Daryl Vase, 25 from Pond Meadow in Guildford, was sentenced on Monday, March 26 to three years in prison, having pleaded guilty to the burglary when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court.

The court heard that Vase entered a house in Lower Weybourne Lane, Farnham between 1.30pm and 4pm and stole a quantity of jewellery as well as the keys to a silver Mercedes and the car itself. Vase was identified through a forensic match with blood found at the scene. He was arrested on February 22.

Police Constable Chris Laughton said: “Vase is a prolific burglar who had only recently been released from prison before committing this offence. Due to the quick response from the attending police and scenes of crime officer, his DNA was captured and this led to his arrest.

“We are cracking down on burglary across the borough and have dedicated teams who are using covert and overt tactics to prevent and detect this crime which causes so much misery for anyone that’s been a victim.

“We’re pleased with the sentence handed out to Vase and I hope the residents of Farnham will be reassured that we are catching burglars, charging them and putting them before the courts to face justice.”