A burglar who broke into two homes in Gillingham, stealing a car and handbags, has been ordered to pay back more than £4,000.

Christopher Anderson, 32, of Harrier Way in Bekton, London, was jailed for 40 months after police raided his home in December 2016.

Inside they found £4,025 and evidence linking him to the crimes.

Anderson was unable to explain the origin of the cash and it was seized.

It was forfeited earlier this month following an investigation by financial investigators from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

Anderson broke into the homes overnight in Sandringham Road.

The handbags were found discarded the next day with bank cards missing.

The car was later found abandoned in East London.

Anderson was witnessed on CCTV using the bank cards several times to purchase goods at a supermarket in Beckton.

He pleaded guilty to both burglaries in January at Maidstone Crown Court.

DS Alec Wood said: "The work of officers does not stop following the conclusion of a criminal case and we were confident the money was not obtained through legitimate means.

"We will always try to recoup the proceeds of any criminal activity and ensure no one is allowed to benefit from crime, and the Proceeds of Crime Act is a very helpful piece of legislation for that purpose.

"In this case, Anderson did not have a good explanation for the large amount of cash hidden away in his home and will now never see it again."