Caught on camera: This man carried out a string of Bedford burglaries in just one night

A burglar from Bedford, has been sentenced to five years and five months in prison, following a series of burglary offences committed in one night last year.

Seth Lee, 21, of Henley Road, Bedford, was sentenced for multiple attempted burglaries, and for burglary, in an area of Great Denham, Bedford.

In the early hours of June 6, Lee tried unsuccessfully to enter a number of properties in the Great Denham area of Bedford.

He then moved on to target properties in another area of Great Denham, where he gained entry via a side door by removing glass panels and a wooden frame.

Once inside, Lee opened kitchen cupboards, and stole a handbag from the kitchen table, along with the car keys to all the vehicles at the address.

Lee took one of the vehicles from the address, which was later located by officers in Leighton Buzzard.

He was captured on multiple CCTV devices in both areas, placing him at the location of the attempted burglaries and the burglary, and was identified by a number of Bedfordshire Police officers.

Lee was also found guilty of escape from prison, remaining unlawfully at large after recall to prison, and possession of a bladed article.

On Thursday (May 27) at Luton Crown Court, he was handed a sentence of five years and five months.

Detective Constable Andrew Boston said: “This series of offences left the victims feeling unsafe in their own homes, which is something that no-one should ever have to feel.

“We will not tolerate this criminality in our county and will do all we can to bring offenders to justice. We are pleased that Lee has received a custodial sentence.”

Here's just some of the things you can do to reduce your chances of being burgled:

>Use lights at home – use a timer when you are out, so it looks like someone is home

>Secure all house and vehicle doors. If you have a UPVC door, make sure it is double locked

>Keep all valuables and keys safely out of sight from windows, both in your home and car

>Close the curtains when you have a light on indoors