A burglar who aroused suspicion when he was spotted carrying his goods in a pillowcase has been jailed for three years.

Edwin James Stratton, 25, previously of Herne Bay, broke into three homes on the same afternoon, taking mainly jewellery and cash.

He was discovered after police received multiple reports of burglaries in the same area of the town and a PCSO tracked him into a back garden, where he was found hiding behind a bush.

Police were first alerted at 3.30pm on March 15, when a break-in was reported in Reculver Road, Beltinge.

Stratton smashed a back door to get in and took two wooden jewellery boxes and £100 from a bedroom.

Less than an hour later, at 4.25pm, police were called to another break-in on the same road, this time via a kitchen window.

Stratton took a ring, two watches, money boxes and audio headphones, as well as a £5 note which had been signed by a professional golfer.

Another hour later, at 5.15pm, officers were called to another home off Reculver Road, where the owner had found someone had smashed the glass in a side door.

Stratton had taken jewellery boxes, costume jewellery, five gold necklaces, a gold bracelet and personal items.

Earlier on the same day, a member of the public reported seeing a suspicious man in the Herne Bay area, carrying a pillowcase full of goods.

A PCSO spotted Stratton and followed him as he climbed into a back garden.

Another PCSO went to the front of the house on Ivanhoe Road and found the thief hiding behind a bush.

Stratton had dumped his pillowcase of takings in a churchyard but admitted three charges of burglary at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, June 28.

The items were returned to their owners.

Detective Constable Jay Robinson said: “Burglary is a very upsetting crime for victims, who feel their homes have been violated.

“It is satisfying that the court has imposed this sentence, sending a tough message to those who commit this type of crime in our communities.

“We are committed to bringing offenders to justice and supporting victims.

“Today another burglar is off our streets and we will continue to come after others.”