A burglar who claimed he broke into a property because he was running out of fuel has been jailed.

Tommy Wilkins, 27, of Capri Road, Croydon, told police he was searching for a jerry can after a hire car he was driving was witnessed at the scene of a burglary in Fairseat Lane, Sevenoaks on May 31.

Wilkins had in fact stolen two watches, jewellery and mobile phone.

He was arrested on June 4 after officers on patrol spotting him driving the same hire car.

When interviewed, Wilkins admitted entering the address but insisted he had remained in the kitchen hunting for a jerry can.

He claimed several items of suspected stolen jewellery, recovered by police, belonged to his girlfriend and protested that although he was a ‘petty thief’ he was not a burglar.

The criminal was charged with burglary and driving whilst disqualified.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to two years and five months imprisonment.

DC Bob Fursey, of West Kent CID said: "Wilkins targeted an isolated property, covering his hands with socks in an effort to leave no fingerprints or traces of DNA, before rifling through his victim’s belongings searching for anything of value.

"He is a repeat offender whose actions have no doubt caused considerable distress and anxiety to the victim.

"Thankfully Wilkins was recognised and apprehended by patrols just days later and can no longer pose a threat to other people’s homes."

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