A County Durham burglar was caught after his own electronic tag put him inside the victim's home at the time of the incident.
Robert Coles entered the address in Argent Street, Easington, in the early hours of Saturday, April 13, and stole numerous items including including cash, an iPhone, a diamond ring, a camera, passport and a bag containing a driving licence and bank cards.
The 48-year-old, of Coronation Avenue, Horden, also took two sets of car keys belonging to two vehicles outside and after he had finished taking items from within the house he stole a Mitsubishi Outlander.
His electronic tag, having captured him inside the house, then recorded his route as he drove away from the scene. CCTV taken from nearby also captured Coles in the area at the time of the incident.
He pleaded guilty to one count of burglary at a hearing at Durham Crown Court earlier this month and this week he was jailed for three years and one month.
Detective Constable Shaunagh Foreman, of Peterlee Volume Crime Team, said: “Burglary is a disgusting invasion of privacy that severely impacts victims and the wider community.
“Coles is a prolific offender who clearly thought he was above the law. Our team worked tirelessly to bring him to justice, and I hope it brings some reassurance to his victim and the community now he is off the streets.”
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