A burglar who swiped jewellery, cash and a laptop from a home less than a mile where he lives has been jailed for more than three years.

Wayne Austin, 33, of Princes Road, admitted burglary after his DNA was discovered at the home in Rumania Walk where he carried out the offences.

He was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 40 months in prison.

Detective Constable Richard Olley said: "There is a misconception that burglaries only occur at night, but the sobering reality is that they often happen during the day.

"If you see someone acting suspiciously please do not hesitate to contact the police when the suspect is still in the area.

"During daylight Austin reached over a gate to unlock it, before breaking into the property and rummaging through the victim’s belongings.

"This is an unacceptable and intrusive crime, and the sentence shows that burglaries are dealt with very seriously."