A teenage burglar has been ordered to do 200 hours of community service after he admitted targeting homes in Worthing.

Robert Mayers broke into a home in Wear Road on April 16 and stole thousands of pounds of jewellery and electrical items.

The 18-year-old also broke into a home in The Heights, Findon Valley, in December and tried to get into a home in Swallows Green Drive, Durrington, on July 9.

When he appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court, Mayers was given a six-month suspended prison sentence, was made the subject of a 12-month supervision order and was ordered to do 200 hours of community service.

Mayers, of Whitebeam Road, Worthing, was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to his victims, an £80 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie to tackle burglary across the county.

Detective Inspector Dave Wardley-Wilkins said: "We are continuing to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders to ensure that those responsible for committing burglaries are punished.

"Being a victim of burglary is a very traumatic experience and we are determined to catch those who prey on others."

There have been other recent successes for the Operation Magpie team.

Paul Eaton, 54, was charged with burglaries in Buckingham Place, Montpelier Road and Robert Street in Brighton on Saturday (August 9). Eaton, of North Road, Brighton, will appear at Lewes Crown Court on September 4.

Chadley Parsons, 21, was charged with a burglary in Boundary Road, Hove, on 29 July. Parsons, of Moyne Close, Hove, will appear at Lewes Crown Court on 11 September.

James Henley, 33, of De Cham Road, St Leonards, was charged with two burglaries in Marina, St Leonards, on 26 July. Henley was also charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice. He was released on bail to appear at Hastings Magistrates' Court on 20 August.

Police arrested seven other people under the operation between July 17 and August 6.

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

For crime prevention advice visit www.sussex.police.uk.

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