TWO men have been jailed for 16 years after dressing like postmen to burgle a series of properties across Enfield and eight other boroughs.

Joseph Morrison and Marvin Russell Jacobs, both 24, were found guilty of possession of a firearm, kidnap, blackmail, actual bodily harm and aggravated burglary following an eight-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court, in Lordship Lane.

Both Morrison, from East Ham, and Jacobs, from Lambeth, were sentenced to 16 years behind bars on March 5.

Acting Detective Inspector Dan O’Sullivan, from the Southwark priority crime unit, who led the investigation, said: "This was a very long and complex investigation, and I am delighted that Morrison and Jacobs have finally been brought to justice.

"To the victims I hope these sentences go someway in relieving the pain and suffering they experienced at the hands of these ruthless men.

"They were put through a harrowing ordeal and I commend the great courage they showed during the investigation and the trial.”

An extensive enquiry began in July 2009 to investigate a linked series of aggravated burglary offences across nine London boroughs, including Enfield.

The enquiry centred on a group of men who disguised themselves as postmen to force entry into people's houses.

The victims would then be tied up and the robbers would make off with cash and jewellery.

The offence in Enfield occurred in Kariba Close at around 3pm on May 14, when a man dressed like a postman and two accomplices forced their way into the house and used a stun gun on a 27-year-old man.

They then demanded that he hand over £2 million pounds. When the victim told them he did not have the money and the police were outside, the suspects fled and left behind the postman’s outfit, a knife, a glove and a shotgun.

Forensic examinations of these objects linked Morrison and Jacobs to the offence.

Jacobs was arrested on July 31, 2009. Morrison was arrested on September 12, 2009, and found in possession of £10,000 in cash and £60,000 worth of cocaine. A £90,000 new Range Rover was also recovered.

All the assets were seized under the Proceeds of Crimes Act.