A teenage burglar who smashed his way into a home has been sentenced to three years in a young offenders' institution.

Jack Reader stole jewellery, designer watches and a small safe after smashing through the door of a flat in Larkfield last year.

The 19-year-old was believed to use a crowbar to force his way into the building off The Lakes in December.

Reader, formerly of Hackney Road, Maidstone, also stole laptops and a key belonging to the victim's car.

He was identified by police following forensic tests at the crime scene, including fingerprints found on a door leading into the flat and inside a communal hallway.

Reader was also linked to another burglary after his DNA was detected on a brick used to smash the window of a home in Milford Close, Maidstone, at the end of April 2016.

A designer watch worth thousands of pounds was taken in this incident.

When the 19-year-old was arrested, he initially denied the charges, but later admitted two counts of burglary at Maidstone Crown Court.

Detective Constable Lisa Stevens said: "Jack Reader is a prolific offender, whose crimes at such a relatively young age will have impacted on the lives of a number of people.

"For most victims, once they have been burgled their homes are never the same again. The effects of these crimes can be devastating and long lasting, with people often frightened to go out, or even worried to go to bed for fear of being targeted again.

"I would hope that Reader will take the opportunity during his time in custody to recognise the profound consequences of his actions and engage with the programmes that are available to help break his cycle of offending."