A MAN who burgled two homes in Bognor has been given a 17-month prison sentence.

John Phillips, 46, of St Albans Road, Bognor, was sentenced when he appeared at Hove Crown Court on July 1.

He had previously pleaded guilty to burgling a flat in Walton Road, Bognor, on December 23 last year, and another one in nearby Belmont Road on January 22.

Phillips, who has 100 previous convictions for theft-related offences, was traced after his DNA was found at the first burglary, where electronic devices and clothing were stolen.

Food and household items were taken in the second burglary which occurred in a flat adjacent to where Phillips was living at the time.

Some of the property was recovered when Phillips was arrested.

Detective constable Elaine Keating said; "Phillips has been a persistent thief over many years, but his latest crimes were quickly detected by our investigation and forensic work."

For advice on protecting your home from burglary, see the Sussex Police website.