A PROLIFIC thief who stole money from four separate care homes for elderly people has been jailed.

Luke Banner already had 20 previous convictions for 65 offences when he carried out a string of thefts across Sussex.

Police using CCTV and finger prints to catch him following his most recent crimes - three of which were carried out on the same day.

On May 22, he stole a charity box belonging to the air ambulance service from Homeshore House in Sutton Road, Seaford.

He went on to target a Hometye House in nearby Claremont Road.

The same day, Banner also stole a cash box from Sheldon House in Eastern Road, Brighton.

While on June 6, he stole a charity box belonging to the RNLI from Nevill Lodge in Rowe Avenue, Peacehaven.

Although the total value of the money stolen is unknown, it is believed to be small change on each occasion.

Banner was arrested and charged with four counts of burglary with intent to steal, pleading guilty to all four offences in court on August 20.

He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on October 1.

Banner, from Emsworth in Hampshire, was sentenced to a total of three years in jail.

The seriousness of his crimes and previous offending history was taken into consideration.

Investigating officer, PC David Wilkinson of Eastbourne Investigations, said: “Banner has an extensive history of similar offences, and thanks to the cooperation of all four victims we were able to arrest him and bring him to justice.

“I would urge all businesses and residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police.”

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