A SERIAL burglar was caught on camera taking tools and building materials.

Michael Stonestreet raided the property in Rosebury Avenue in Eastbourne last year.

Home improvement works were taking place at the site, and Stonestreet called in at the address.

When he got no answer he sneaked to the rear of the house and stole a roll of lead.

The Argus:

Then later he went back to pilfer £100 in cash from a jacket pocket from one of the builders, and snatched a tile cutter and nail gun.

Little did he know the thefts were being recorded on CCTV.

The Argus:

The 32-year-old, who usually works as a child carer, was also linked to a burglary in Hailsham where jewellery and other valuables were stolen. He had left his finger prints at the scene.

At Lewes Crown Court he was jailed for two years and eight months after admitting burglary.

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Sussex Police said Stonestreet, of Butts Field, Hailsham, was recognised by officers when shown the CCTV.

He has an "extensive history of burglary and theft offences", the force said.

The Argus:

In a separate incident on 26 September 2019, Stonestreet forced entry into a house in The Holt, Hailsham, via a locked rear window.

He took a gold chain, gold ring, a bracelet, a BB gun, a knife with a replica ivory handle and sheath, and cash worth a total of £7,000.

The Argus:

Stonestreet's fingerprints were found on a window frame.

Inspector Rachel Barrow said: “Michael Stonestreet is no stranger to us, having been convicted of a number of other theft and burglary offences in the past few years.

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"He has made no attempt to improve his behaviour, which is reflected in this custodial sentence."

The Argus:

“Through forensics evidence and CCTV images which clearly identified him, we were able to bring him to justice for these two offences.

“While these appear to have been two opportunist incidents, I’d like to remind residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us."

Crime prevention advice is available on the Sussex Police website.