A man who contributed to a sudden spike in burglaries has been jailed for three years.

Jamie Webb, 25, a prolific distraction burglar, appeared at Lewes Crown Court recently where he admitted five distraction burglaries and an attempted burglary in Brighton in March last year.

Webb, of no fixed abode, was arrested in Gloucester.

DC Scott Elmer said: "In March last year there were a sudden spike in distraction burglaries where a young man was knocking on doors and asking for a screwdriver to fix the chain on his bike. Once he was let in he searched their homes and stole items such as handbags, bank cards and cash, often going away with loose change.

"Publicity led to more victims coming forward and following help from the public and forensic evidence Webb was arrested in his home town of Gloucester in July and brought to Brighton police station where he was interviewed and charged with several burglaries. I am pleased that he pleaded guilty and has been sentenced for his crimes.

“Victims of distraction burglaries are often elderly and vulnerable. I would like to thank the victims and witnesses who helped bring him to justice."