A burglar has been jailed after more than £11,000 of mobile phones and tablets were stolen from a store.

Marian Ghita travelled to Maidstone with three accomplices, intent on targeting a shop in Fremlin Walk.

At around midnight on Monday, May 29, three of the gang forced open the main door and stole a number of electronic devices worth more than £11,000 from display cabinets.

A police crime squad investigated and after examining CCTV footage, they identified two cars used by the culprits.

An Audi was later connected to Ghita and found parked outside his home address in east London. The second was a Peugeot, which was also located nearby.

Ghita, of Florence Gardens, Romford was arrested on Wednesday, June 14.

Detectives were able to prove that he had travelled to and from Maidstone at around the time of the break-in.

He was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.

On Thursday (July 13) the 48-year-old was sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, DC Josh Littley, said: “Ghita was a member of an organised crime gang that counted on entering and leaving the county undetected.

“Their confidence was misplaced and a thorough investigation has brought one of the conspirators to justice.

“Our message for these criminals is clear. If you choose to travel into Kent to offend, we will be relentless in our efforts to track you down and bring you before the courts at the earliest opportunity.”