A MAN has been jailed for two years for breaking into houses in Southampton and Romsey.

Ian Masters, 33, was handed a prison sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary and fraud by false representation.

Masters broke into a property in Church Lane, Southampton, by prising open a bathroom window while the homeowners were out.

He smeared cheese on the kitchen surfaces as well stealing bank letters, a laptop and a Nintendo Switch console, which were not recovered. One of his fingerprints was found on the bathroom window.

He also broke into a house in Brook Way, Romsey, while the occupants were out.

He gained entry by smashing a glass panel in the kitchen door with a rock before stealing a credit card, two debit cards, Icelandic currency worth £45, £30 in cash, two mobile phones and three gold rings, including a wedding ring. None of the items was recovered.

The owner's credit card was used six times to buy items worth £135.80.

Master's DNA was found on the rock used to smash the door and CCTV images showed a man matching his appearance using the credit card.

He was arrested on December 23 and bailed while CCTV and forensic enquiries were carried out. He was further arrested on January 18 after new evidence came to light.

PSI Sarah Stewart, who led the investigation, said: “Your home is somewhere you should feel safe – which is why dwelling burglaries can be so traumatic for those affected, beyond the impact of the belongings that are stolen.

“This sentence shows we will use all the tools at our disposal, including forensics, to bring offenders to justice and I hope it reassures our communities that we take burglary very seriously.”

Masters was sentenced at Portsmouth Crown Court. His address was given in court as Lewes Prison.