Dean Barton and John Powles were sentenced to a total of 20 months

These are two men who have been jailed for their part in the theft of a �400,000 violin stolen during a burglary in Kilburn.

Police have released the photographs of Dean Barton, 23, of Brassey Road, Kilburn, and John Powles, 24, from Belsize Park, following their sentencing yesterday (Monday).

The pair were snared in a sting operation launched after a music shop contacted the police with reports of a man trying to obtain a valuation for an 18th century Pietro Guarneri of Venice violin.

Detectives posed as buyers and both men were arrested.

When their homes were searched officers found goods taken during a second burglary which took place four days after the violin was stolen on August 17.

Both men were convicted of burglary and handling stolen goods in September. Barton was sentenced to nine months for burglary and three months for handling stolen goods at Harrow Crown Court. Powles was sentenced to eight months for the violin burglary.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Burns, from Brent Police, said: “Officers carried out an excellent fast time investigation demonstrating teamwork and professionalism that resulted in the arrest of two residential burglars and return the stolen property to their rightful owners.”