A prolific burglar has been jailed after 17 premises were targeted during a five-month crime spree.

Jacob Winnett broke into 10 homes, attempted to burgle six more and also illegally entered a business premise between October, 21 2019 and February, 10 2020.

He used motorbikes to target the homes along with a second person who remains unidentified.

His offences covered properties in Gillingham, Higham, Gravesend, Shorne and Rochester and took place mostly in daylight.

Winnett, of Hyacinth Road, Rochester, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on January 18 after admitting a charge of conspiracy to commit burglary which covered all of the offences.

The court heard how he stole various items during the incidents including Rolex watches, a brand new KTM GT motorbike, a Porsche Cayman GT4 and a Jaguar XF. Other items stolen include a safe and cash.

He was sentenced to nine years and two months in prison after admitting to his role in these crimes.

As part of the investigation officers secured a large quantity of CCTV and Winnett was identified as a possible suspect.

Based on these inquiries the force carried out a search warrant at his address in November 2019 and the 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle.

Officers searched the property and found items linking him to the incidents including two motorbike helmets, four balaclavas, a black bag containing two crow bars and four gloves, multiple pairs of trainers, black tracksuits and a black and orange KTM off road motorbike which was parked inside the rear of a van belonging to Winnett.

All these items were seen to be used by the suspects during the burglaries.

Following the warrant Winnett was taken to a police station for questioning and later released pending further inquiries.

He then committed another burglary where he was seen on CCTV breaking into a vehicle recovery yard in Higham where he found the black and orange motorbike which had been seized during the search warrant by officers.

Following this, he used the motorbike to continue his crime spree, and along with an unidentified man, they both attempted to burgle several homes and broke into several more.

"He showed no regard whatsoever for his victims and a scant regard for the law..."

During these incidents, jewellery, cash, designer handbags and watches and an Audi RS5 were stolen.

As part of the ongoing investigation officers carried out a second warrant at an address in Canterbury Street, Gillingham, where they seized items belonging to Winnett as well as jewellery which matched items reported stolen in the burglaries.

They also found evidence on Winnett’s mobile phone which showed videos of the stolen Porche along with his reflection in the car’s window.

After this warrant he was arrested and subsequently jailed for the separate offences. He was further charged in connection with the above burglaries on May, 26 2021.

Investigating officer DC Colin Cherry said: "Winnett targeted large, often detached, rural premises during daylight hours stealing high performance vehicles and high-value items.

"The impact of his crimes was not only financial, but affected a number of the victims mentally, making them feel unsafe in their own homes.

"Winnett continued to offend even after being initially arrested for the offences and he showed no regard whatsoever for his victims and a scant regard for the law.

"I am pleased that the court has given Winnett a substantial custodial sentence in relation to this offending and I hope that it brings some justice to the victims of his crimes.

"I hope that this sentence sends a clear message to like-minded individuals that if you commit burglaries in Kent, we will identify you, arrest you and bring you to justice."