A thief who stole from seven businesses across Kent, Essex and south London has been jailed.

Paul McMullen used tools to force open cash tills and stole more than £1,500 as he targeted shops in Rochester, Sittingbourne, Gravesend and Bexleyheath, between August 1 2019 and June 16 this year.

The 41-year-old also stole from businesses in Chelmsford, Brentwood and Ilford.

He was arrested after officers identified him through CCTV on June 16, when he stole from a large store in Ilford.

Further enquiries led to him being identified as the offender responsible for the other thefts and he was subsequently charged.

McMullen, of Fencepiece Road, Ilford, was sentenced to one year and six months in jail after he admitted seven charges of theft. Six further charges were ordered to lie on file.

He was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday December 7.

Investigating officer PC Harry Groves from the Chief Constables Crime Squad said: "McMullen was brazen in his offending with the majority of his offences being committed during the day. He targeted stores where he felt he could steal a large quantity of money.

"McMullen was also charged with six burglaries which related to the same businesses where the thefts occurred, however these were ordered to lie on file. Stealing from large businesses is not a victimless crime and his custodial sentencing is justified."