A burglar who targeted flats above shops and business has been jailed for four and-a-half years.

James Hynd, 34, formerly of Chatham, was sentenced earlier this month by a judge at Maidstone Crown Court after pleading guilty to two burglaries.

He also received a year-long sentence for breaching a suspended sentence, which will be served concurrently.

Hynd was jailed for two years for the first offence, an attempted burglary which happened at around 5.15pm in January at a flat above a pub in Anglesea Place, Gravesend.

The resident of the flat noticed him rattling a window from the outside and shouted at him.

A witness outside saw Hynd calmly jump down from the flat roof and walk away.

The person who lived at the flat called police and he and some people from the pub went after Hynd and stayed with him until police arrived to arrest him.

He was then charged with attempted burglary with intent.

He also received a two and-a-half year sentence for a burglary in Gillingham in June this year.

Hynd had climbed up a flat above a convenience store in the High Street and entered through a window.

He stole a rucksack from the property along with two laptop computers which he then hid inside the bag and walked out with it.

Police examined CCTV footage and recognised Hynd walking around with the bag that the victim later identified as hers.

He was spotted in Chatham two days later and tried to flee from officers before he was chased and arrested.

DC Robin Hemsley, who investigated the burglaries, said: “Hynd brazenly attempted to break into the flat in Gravesend and, when he was caught by members of the public, denied it, claiming he had been trying to hide.

“He was arrested, charged and put before the courts.

“He was bailed and while on bail committed this further offence in Gillingham when he broke into a flat and stole the victim’s possessions.

“He has a history of targeting properties above shops and businesses and I welcome the news he is behind bars for his crimes.

“I would like to reassure the public that we do all we can to bring burglars to justice with specialist teams and operations.

“However, they can help protect themselves with simple steps, too. Always ensure your property is secure, including windows and doors, and mark and record details of your valuables.

“This can help us return it to you in the unlikely event that it is stolen.”