A prolific burglar, who ransacked a home and stole only a pint of milk, has been jailed.

Alfie Chambers, of Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne, pleaded guilty after he was caught on CCTV targetting a property in Sheppey.

During the afternoon of September 27, 2021, the 61 year-old entered an address in Second Avenue, Sheerness after damaging a rear window.

Chambers ransacked the property, before leaving having stolen only a pint of milk.

Police were alerted when the victim returned home and when officers checked CCTV in the surrounding area they recognised Chambers, who was captured on footage approaching the property.

Don Ramble, prosecuting, said: "A woman in Sheerness left her property at 1.30 pm and when she returned 90 minutes later she discovered the burglary.

"Chambers had smashed a window to the front room, although the only item taken was a bottle of milk.

"However, the property had been ransacked and the victim later described how her costume jewellery was strewn about the place."

The victim later told police how she was left feeling unsafe in her own house after the burglary.

She said: "The feeling is horrible and I would not wish it upon anyone.

"I have complied with society's laws and norms all my life and I feel that I shouldn't have to feel this way because of the actions of a selfish person who has no regard for (the laws)"

She branded the raider a "monstrous person" who had sullied all her property.

The woman added: "Those items mean a lot to me and to have them thrown all over the place was not fair."

Chambers was arrested on October 8, last year. At Maidstone Crown Court he pleaded guilty to burglary.

Yesterday (May 12) he was sentenced for 876 days imprisonment, which is two years and almost five months'.

With a criminal record of 113 previous offences he also admitted a charge of fraud which related to an incident on September 13, 2021, where he used a credit card which had gone missing from a parked van to buy £35 worth of booze and cigarettes at a shop in Halfway, Sheerness.

Chambers was again identified, following a review of the store’s CCTV.

As a three-strike thief Chambers attracted a minimum three year jail term before a reduction for a guilty plea.

PC Ben Slocombe, of the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, said: "Chambers is a repeat and prolific criminal who has no regard for the devastating impact his actions have on his victims.

"He appears incapable of changing his ways and had he not been caught, I have no doubt he would have carried out further offences, causing distress and misery to further victims.

"Swale will undoubtedly be a safer place now this man is serving another well-deserved prison sentence.

"We remain absolutely determined to deter and arrest those who commit burglary crime, but it is also so important to remember that many burglaries are opportunistic and often preventable.

"Our message to residents and business owners alike is to remain vigilant.

"Always double lock doors and windows and deterrent devices like CCTV should be well-maintained, so they can capture as clear images as possible."