A Boxing Day burglar has been jailed for more than four years after burgling two families over the festive period.

Mark Bloomfield, 48 of Melville Court, Chatham, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday, January 24, after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary.

The court heard how at 3.30am on Boxing Day Bloomfield was seen breaking into an empty house in Sally Port Gardens, Gillingham.

A worried resident called police and when they visited the house officers found the front kitchen window had been smashed. The back door to the house was also open.

Officers saw the curtains move and believed the burglar was still inside and entered the house. A large rock which was used to smash the window was found on the kitchen floor.

Bloomfield was found hiding in the loft and he was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Police found a holdall filled with jewellery, a laptop, speakers, a purse and alcohol on the bathroom room. A small velvet bag containing more jewellery was also found on Bloomfield when he was searched.

While at the scene officers discovered that the rear window to the house next door was also open - the property had also been burgled.

A search was later carried out at Bloomfield’s home, which is only half a mile from the burgled properties.

Officers found other items from both homes and charged Bloomfield with both offences.

He has been jailed for four years and eight months.

Investigating officer, DC, Aaron Chapman, said: "Bloomfield was caught red-handed inside one of these homes. He had bugled one property, dropped the stolen items back to his own home and then brazenly returned to burgle the property next door, taking advantage of the festive period while people were away visiting families.

"I’m pleased he has received a lengthy sentence. Kent Police will tackle all crime and I hope this sentence shows that crime really does not pay."