A burglar who committed a one-man mini crime wave as he stole thousands of pounds worth of goods from people's homes has been jailed.

Michael Williams, 41, of Morehall Avenue, Folkestone, was jailed for three years and four months after pleading guilty to five charges of burglary and one charge of attempted burglary.

He admitted targetting six houses across Medway before being jailed at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday August 13.

Speaking after sentencing detective constable Ian Mather said: "Williams is a prolific burglar who has a history of offending and I’m sure if he had not been identified that he would have carried on breaking into people’s homes in order to steal and fund his lifestyle.

"I hope his sentence sends a message to other criminals and helps to act as a deterrent to those who may be considering this type of criminality."

The judge heard how Williams broke into a house in Allison Avenue, Gillingham, at around 1.30am on June 17 where he stole a handbag.

Shortly after Williams burgled another house in the same road and stole items including a laptop, iPad, medication and cash.

The court heard he burgled a house in Beechwood Avenue, Chatham, in an attempt to steal items but fled after being disturbed at around 2.30am on June 20.

He also attempted to break into a house in Allison Avenue, Gillingham, on the same night.

The judge also heard that between July 3 and 6, he burgled a property in Hollywood Lane and stole electrical items including a camera and watches. He also stole bank cards.

At around 11pm on July 11 he burgled a house in Audley Avenue, Gillingham and stole various electrical items including a tablet and a laptop.

Following the burglaries officers carried out an investigation which included reviewing CCTV. Williams was then seen on this CCTV and identified as being a suspect for the offences.

He was arrested at 11.45am on July 13 in Balmoral Road, Gillingham and was charged with the offences the following day.