A prolific thief, who targeted vehicles and properties in Peterborough, has been jailed for six years.

Matthew Nicholson, 29, of Oundle Road, Peterborough was handed the sentence at Peterborough Crown Court on Wednesday (March 8) after pleading guilty to three counts of burglary and one count of theft from a vehicle.

The first offence took place on January 31 in Palmeston Road when Nicholson entered a home, whilst the occupants were asleep, and stole various electronic devices, a purse, jewellery and tobacco.

On the same day, Nicholson targeted a Renault Megane in Swain Court and stole a satnav, charging wire, a pair of boots and sunglasses.

On February 2, he stole a wallet, a scarf, a pair of gloves and a laptop bag from a home in Silver Street before breaking into another property in Melrose Drive and taking a TV box and wallet.

The following day, Nicholson was arrested in Peterborough after CCTV linked him to the incidents and the stolen property was recovered at his home address.

DS Dave Taylor said: “Nicholson was a prolific offender and the homes of Peterborough will be a safer place with him behind bars.

“The sentence serves as a warning to anyone committing this crime and the force continues to prioritise burglary as part of Operation Hunter, which aims to put offenders before the courts.”