A prolific shoplifter has been jailed after a series of offences.

Lee Cuthbert, from Sutton Valence, stole goods worth more than £1,000 from a number of homes and businesses around Maidstone.

The 37-year-old was jailed for three years and six months after he pleaded guilty to offences which took place between April 27 and May 31 this year.

Cuthbert, of The Harbour, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday, August 13.

His first offence saw a mobile phone and tablet worth a combined £700 stolen from a pub in Bearsted.

Three days later he distracted a lady who was gardening, while offering to do some work in exchange for cash an accomplice went into her house and stole a purse which contained bank cards and £5 in change.

On the same day he attempted to steal a purse from staff in a fish and chip shop, but stumbled and dropped the item as he attempted to flee.

On Saturday, May 30, he took £124.98 worth of goods from a petrol station in Lenham. He returned to that business the next day and took items to the value of £84.44.

In between these two crimes Cuthbert stole approximately £100 worth of food from a petrol station in West Malling.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Raj Dusanjh said: “Cuthbert’s crimes affected numerous victims whose evidence was crucial when it came to putting this man behind bars. I would like to thank them for their assistance."

“Burglaries often leave victims feeling violated and uncomfortable in their own homes and Kent Police will thoroughly investigate all reports to ensure men like Cuthbert are not allowed the freedom to target members of the public.

“I hope he spends his sentence reflecting on the impact his actions have had on the people and businesses he targeted.”