Security cameras on burglary victims' doorsteps helped capture a thief and put him behind bars.

Police launched an investigation after several homes in Chatham were targeted in the same night earlier this year.

Footage caught Kelvin Hayes in the act breaking into Chatham homes. Video: Kent Police

Kelvin Hayes was tracked down after CCTV footage from one of the homes and neighbouring properties at others helped identify the 43-year-old.

He was found to have targeted three homes in the town on the night of October 18 and the footage caught him in the act.

A resident in Snodhurst Avenue first reported a break-in at their home after waking to find their porch was open and two coats inside had been stolen.

Suspicious behaviour was reported at other addresses from the early hours and although the victims did not have CCTV themselves, neighbours' security cameras captured Hayes at the scene at about 2.20am.

Hayes, of Gorse Avenue, Chatham, admitted burglary and two attempted burglaries.

He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

Following inquiries by police, officers recovered footage from two properties in Vale Drive where cameras found him trying to break into two homes.

Hayes attempted to open the front door at one home before a different camera recorded him walking around the side of a different property.

He left after the resident noticed him prowling and told him to leave.

Officers from the Kent Police Chief Constable's Crime Squad reviewed the evidence and Hayes handed himself into Medway Police Station after he admitted being the wanted man but denying any knowledge of the crimes.

He was later charged and remanded in custody until sentencing this week.

PC Emma Laimbeer, from the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: "Although Hayes only entered one address during this offending, his willingness to break into the homes of innocent members of the public is a significant concern.

"I am pleased that we have been able to secure his imprisonment, which is a great result not just for the victims targeted but the community as a whole."

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