A BURGLAR who stole around £12,000 of jewellery during a break-in has been jailed.

John Pearce was handed three-and-a-half years behind bars on Thursday, November 26, over the burglaries in Stockton Heath and Bewsey.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that the 44-year-old first targeted an address on Paul Street in February this year, gaining access by smashing through the patio doors while it was unoccupied.

He stole a number of items inside, including a laptop and a designer handbag – but his blood was later found on curtains and cupboards around the property.

Then, on Valentine’s Day, he broke into a house on Ackers Road by forcing the back door open and pinched a designer handbag, a purse, sunglasses and more than 30 pieces of expensive jewellery.

Pearce, from Chester, sold the items taken during both offences at pawnbrokers in the town centre and Liverpool.

But he was caught red-handed by police 10 days later while burgling a house in London and admitted three counts of burglary.

All the stolen goods were recovered and returned to their rightful owners.

Detective constable Chris Little said: “I am pleased Pearce is now behind bars facing the consequences of his actions.

“He burgled two houses and stole large quantities of expensive jewellery and items in order to sell on in pawnbrokers to make a profit.

“This, along with his DNA being found at one of the addresses, led to him being identified and subsequently arrested while committing another offence.

“Thankfully, we have been able to recover some of the personal possessions he stole and return them to their owners.”

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home.

“This type of crime can change that and have a devastating effect on victims and the wider community.

“I would like to praise the work of all the officers involved in the investigation who were able to return some of the items back to their rightful owners and deliver justice for them.”