Two prolific thieves were sentenced to five years and six years imprisonment for a string of housebreakings, and theft of goods worth over $20,000 from 15 different homes, in four towns across the Eastern district of Tongatapu.

Sione Kali Taiseni Katoa (18) and co-accused Sofilisi Fiefia (25) were each charged with over 30 counts of theft and housebreaking.

Justice Shuster sentenced Katoa to five years imprisonment and Fiefia to six years imprisonmen, when they appeared for sentencing at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa, on February 3.

Crown Prosecutor Joan Puloka told the court that between January to July 2011, the two offenders broke into and stole goods that amounted to $26,118.50 from 15 different homes in Lapaha, Tatakamotonga, Makaunga and Navutoka. She said the stolen items included electronic goods, food, clothes, jewellery and money.

The offenders had pleaded guilty to the offences, and the police had recovered goods valued at $13,220 from their homes.

Justice Shuster said this a deterrence sentence, and that breaking into people's home at night while they are there or sleeping is a serious offence.