A BURGLAR from Thurrock who targeted three victims in three days has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Paul Davis was part of a gang who burgled the homes in May this year but was caught with the help of CCTV and forensic evidence.

A cottage in Nine Ashes Road, Stondon Massey, was broken into on Monday, 6 May. Although nothing was stolen, the burglars caused substantial damage by forced open doors. CCTV footage showed a silver BMW 5 series arriving shortly before the burglary. Davis was seen getting out of the car.

The following day, burglars broke into a bungalow in Old London Road, Wickford, and stole £600 cash, jewellery, passports and paperwork. CCTV showed Davis approaching the front door and ringing the doorbell. He was wearing the same tracksuit as during the burglary the previous day.

On Wednesday, 8 May another burglary was reported in Mountnessing Road, Ingatestone. The thieves stole 220 Euros.

Davis, 28, of Saladin Drive, Purfleet, was arrested on Wednesday, 3 July. He was charged with all three counts of burglary, which he admitted when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday 8 October and he was jailed when he appeared before the court again this month.

DC Frankie Cole, of Brentwood CID, said: "The invasion of your home is very distressing and I hope this sentencing gives the victims some comfort that Davis has been brought to justice for his crimes.

"These were well-planned, organised burglaries and he was clearly not working alone.

"Anyone with information to help us identify his accomplices is asked to call us."

Call Brentwood CID on 101. Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org