A SERIAL burglar has been sent to jail for four years after detectives proved he had returned to a life of crime.

Gregory Charles already had 12 convictions for burglary and seven convictions for handling stolen goods when he broke into homes in St James's Road, Hastings, and Essenden Road, St Leonards, in April.

He was caught after crime scene investigators found fingerprints at the home that matched those of Charles on the police database.

The 46-year-old, of West Hill Road, St Leonards, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and two counts of handling stolen goods and was jailed when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Thursday (18/9).

Detective constable Alex Campbell said: "Charles is a prolific offender who has spent many years in prison because of his crimes.

"This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and we strive to catch these offenders and ensure their victims and other members of the public are protected from them in the future."

Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie to tackle burglary across the county and a number of other punishments have been handed out to criminals in the last week.

Thomas Riley, 26, was jailed two years when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (12/9) after burgling Verner House, Victoria Terrace, Hove, on April 28. Riley, formerly of Leeward Road, Worthing, stole jewellery and electrical equipment but left his fingerprints at the scene.

A 16-year-old boy was charged with a burglary in Clarendon Terrace, Brighton, between September 12, and September 15, a burglary in College Terrace, Brighton, on September 17, and possession of cannabis. He was released on bail until he has to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on October 7.

Adam Feeney, 51, was charged with a burglary in Lustrells Vale, Saltdean, on July 15. Feeney, of Stirling Close, London, was remanded in custody to appear at crown court on a date to be set.

Oliver Pierce, 22, was charged with burglaries in Pembroke Crescent, Hove, and West Drive, Brighton, on September, 17, theft and possession of Class A drugs. He was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on October 6.

Nathan Boughton, 27, was charged with a burglary in Bristol Gate, Brighton, and fraud. Boughton, of Essex Street, Brighton, was remanded in custody to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on yesterday. (19/9) A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglaries in New Hall Lane, Small Dole on September 1 and September 4. He was bailed until October 5.

Two men aged 20 and 21, from Littlehampton, were arrested on suspicion of burglaries in Sea Road, The Martlets and Sea Lane, Rustington, and Woodlands Road and Peregrine Road, Littlehampton. They are released on bail until October 8.

Police recommend registering property on free website www.immobilise.com. Always report crime on 101 or 999 in an emergency.