A prolific burglar who tried to clean his crime scene is now behind bars after a drop of his blood was left behind.

Carl Chang, who had recently been released from jail for a previous burglary, was a DNA match for a blood stain found on the doorstep of a property in Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, last June.

The 26-year-old, formerly of Batchwood Green, Orpington, smashed a kitchen window to enter and stole cash and jewellery before fleeing.

Inside Chang had used cleaning fluid to remove evidence of his offending but crime scene investigators found a fresh drop of blood directly outside where he entered.

He was arrested a few weeks later and refused to comment before lunging at officers while being questioned on July 9 last year at his home in Orpington.

Chang appeared at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday and was sentenced to four years in prison.

He had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary.

Detective Constable Natalie Sammellssaid: "At the time of the offence Chang had been on licence, following his release from prison for another burglary.

"He is clearly a prolific burglar, whose offending has caused a great deal of distress to the victims, not only through the loss of their personal property, but the invasion of their private space.

"We will continue to pursue all forensic techniques available to gather evidence to bring offenders like Chang to justice and I'm pleased that another repeat offender is behind bars and unable to commit any further crimes."