A burglar has been jailed after making off with money from a takeaway's tips jar.

Patrick Downey forced his way into the Medway Grill in Gillingham High Street after using a ladder to scale a fence.

The 32-year-old made off with £270 during the incident in the early hours of Saturday, August 17.

Police analysed CCTV and identified Downey as a suspect, arresting him at his home in Skinner Street, Gillingham, the following Friday.

He pleaded guilty to burglary and was sentenced to three years in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday, November 20.

Investigating officer PC Benjamin Shove said: "Patrick Downey is a prolific criminal who appears incapable of changing his ways.

"Had he not been caught, I have no doubt he would have carried out further offences, causing considerable distress and misery to even more victims.

"We have been able to provide irrefutable evidence in court and he had little choice but to plead guilty.

"We remain absolutely determined to deter and arrest those who commit burglary crime, but it is also so important to remember that many burglaries, whether domestic or business-related, are opportunistic and often preventable.

"Our message to residents and business owners alike is to remain vigilant; aways double lock doors and windows and deterrent devices like CCTV should be well-maintained, so they can capture as clear images as possible."

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