A burglar was tracked down after being spotted by a police officer as he left the scene of the crime.

Steven Parker targeted the property in Hythe and took jewellery and a tablet computer worth more than £1,000.

The 44-year-old formerly of Benson Lane in Hawkinge has now been jailed for four and a half years.

He had earlier been convicted of burglary but was sentenced on April 1.

Parker forced open the front door of the property after smashing a window.

Once inside he removed several items of jewellery and took the tablet before leaving the scene.

But when he left the scene he was spotted by a police officer who thought he was acting suspiciously before getting into a van.

The officer observed him for a time and recorded the van's details as he got in.

Later that day, the break-in was reported and a check identified Parker to be the registered keeper of the van.

A search warrant was carried out two days later on November 5.

Officers found the stolen tablet in a rubbish bin and Parker was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Investigating officer Det Con Dennis Webster said: "Burglary is an intrusive crime and it can have a profound impact on victims.

"Parker has caused his victims a lot of stress but he has shown no remorse for his offending and I welcome the sentence that he has received."