A 16-year-old has been jailed for eight months after breaking into homes in Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, broke into a home in Old Church Road, St Leonards, and stole Christmas presents on December 13 last year.

He also committed burglaries in Barnfield Close, Hastings, on April 11, and in Woodsgate Avenue, Bexhill, on September 14 last year.

The boy was jailed when he appeared at Brighton Youth Court.

Detective Inspector Ian Williams said: "The boy caused misery for people across Hastings and St Leonards for several months.

"He ruined the Christmas of one family and left two others traumatised after targeting their homes.

"Hopefully a spell in custody will encourage him to think about his actions so he does not come out and commit more crime."

The teenager was arrested as part of Operation Magpie, Sussex Police's crackdown on burglary.

If you have any information about burglaries, call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.

If you see or hear a burglary taking place call 999 immediately.