A burglar who ransacked his victim's homes and stole cash, jewellery and the contents of children's piggy banks has been jailed.

Michael Maloney was sentenced to six years and three months in prison after admitting three offences on the first day of his trial.

The 35-year-old, formerly of Albion Road, Tunbridge Wells, was linked to break ins in May and June in Neville Court and Post Office Square by his DNA.

His DNA was found on a brick which had been used to smash a window of one house.

Swabs taken from a window latch and a window frame from the other two properties were matched to him.

Maloney rifled through drawers, cupboards and jewellery boxes and at one address even stole from children’s piggy banks.

During police interviews he refused to comment.

Investigating officer Det Con Neil Buckle said: "Maloney deliberately chose properties in secluded areas of Tunbridge Wells, where he smashed his way into the homes and ransacked interiors in search of cash and jewellery.

"His victims arrived home to find their possessions and contents of drawers strewn all over the floor and their homes left in a terrible mess. Thankfully we quickly identified him as a suspect and were able to compare his DNA to all 3 crime scenes. This enabled us to prove beyond doubt that Maloney was the culprit.

"Burglary is a devastating crime, with consequences which often stay with victims for a very long time. In this instance the courts have delivered what is a significant sentence and one which I hope provides some comfort to those who have suffered from Maloney¿s crimes.

"This sentence hopefully sends out a clear, unambiguous message to other criminals - We will catch you and lock you up to prevent the public from harm."