A thief already in prison has been jailed for an additional three years after admitting to playing a part in seven burglaries.

Kirk Holt, formerly of Margate, was in jail for other offences when he told prison staff in May he wanted to confess to a burglary to "clear his conscience".

When interviewed by police, the 29-year-old admitted to being involved in seven burglaries.

One incident was on October 17 last year, when a family returned to their property in Gordon Road, Margate, to find they had been burgled.

The back door had been forced open and a lot of items had been stolen, including alcohol, electrical goods, car keys, jewellery and cash.

Their car had also been taken from outside the house, although officers were able to recover it a few days later.

At Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, October 11, Holt was sentenced to an additional three years in prison for the Margate burglary and the court also agreed to take the other six offences into consideration.

Senior investigating officer, DS Jay Robinson said: "Burglary can be invasive as well as costly to the homeowner so we hope that Kirk Holt’s confession to this burglary has provided the victims with a sense of closure.

"As the nights draw in this Autumn, we want to remind residents to take steps to reduce the chances of becoming a burglary victim.

"Keep doors and windows locked, set timers on lights and televisions to make the property look occupied if you are going to be out, and photograph and document any valuables as it’ll make it harder for thieves to sell on."

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