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A greedy burglar who was caught in the act by two different victims has been jailed.
Daniel Zajac, 23, targeted two Gravesend homes and at one in Berkley Crescent he stole a laptop, a portable DVD player and £40 in cash on Tuesday July 14. The victim returned home from work to find the items missing and other belongings thrown around his flat.
But, keen for more, Zajac returned to the home at 1.30am on Wednesday July 15. Only this time the victim caught him red-handed trying to clamber through a window.
A verbal altercation took place before the defendant fled the scene.
Unperturbed, Zajac then proceeded to enter a property in Wrotham Road straight after, but woke one of the occupants from his sleep.
The man left his bedroom and saw Zajac using a torch to navigate his way around the flat.
When confronted Zajac said he was looking for somewhere to sleep before the occupant attempted to detain him.
"I would also like to remind the public that we have approached the time of year where reports of burglaries are most prevalent." - DC Robin Hemsley
Zajac managed to flee into the back garden and escape. The victim then found his television in this garden.
Both victims went on to identify Zajac, of The Grove, Gravesend, in an identity parade and he was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 26 months in jail, having pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary.
DC Robin Hemsley said: "I’m happy we’ve managed to get swift justice for Zajac’s two victims, whose support during this investigation is greatly appreciated.
"Burglary is an offence that often leaves those targeted feeling vulnerable and threatened.
"In these two cases the victims caught Zajac in the act and that must have made the experience all the more difficult for them.
"I would also like to remind the public that we have approached the time of year where reports of burglaries are most prevalent.
"In response to this we are running Op Castle, an annual campaign which targets burglars and issues crime prevention advice."