A 41-year-old burglar who repeatedly targeted homes in a south Bucks town has been jailed.

Simon Choate, of Foxes Piece, Marlow, has started his 40-month term behind bars after pleading guilty to a series of crimes in his hometown.

The repeat offender admitted two counts of dwelling burglary, one count of handling stolen goods and one count of fraud on the first day of his trial at Aylesbury Crown Court on July 25.

Earlier this week, he was jailed to a total of three years and four months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer Det Con Lou Knowles, from Buckinghamshire Local CID, said: “The length of the sentence given to Choate reflects the impact that the intrusive crime of burglary has upon victims and I hope it acts as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to commit similar offences.

“Thames Valley Police officers work tirelessly to ensure offenders are arrested and brought before the courts to face the consequences of their actions.

"I am pleased the victims of these offences can be reassured Choate will now serve a custodial sentence as a result. ”

Detectives started investigating Choate following a series of burglaries.

Between 11pm on June 8, 2015, and 7am on June 9, 2015, thieves entered a house in Glade Road, Marlow, and stole various items of property including a TV, laptop computers, cash and debit cards.

Choate was found in possession of stolen goods and was identified from CCTV attempting to withdraw cash in the early hours of the morning following the burglary using the stolen cards.

At around 5.50am on September 15, 2015, a resident of a property in Little Marlow Road went to her kitchen and noticed a man who was later identified to be Choate in her property.

He ran past her with her handbag over his shoulder and holding her laptop. She attempted to grab him however his hood came off in her hand and he ran out of the door.

Choate was arrested on September 17 in connection with these crimes and charged on March 18, 2016.

At around 2.30pm on July 22, 2016, the criminal entered a property in Oxford Road, Marlow after smashing a kitchen window. A laptop computer and cash was stolen.

He was then arrested on July 23 and charged with a further count of burglary on the same day.

Were you a victim of Choate? Get in touch with the Bucks Free Press on 01494 755089 or email andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk