A burglar, caught after using bank cards within hours of stealing them in a domestic break-in, is starting a 29-month prison sentence.

Police were alerted to a break-in at a residential property in the Ayton area of Washington, early on Sunday, January 15.

It was reported that the occupants of the home in Redshank Close awoke at about 7.30am to find the patio door ajar and a string of valuables were missing from their home and garden shed.

The brazen offender, now known to be 32-year-old Liam Miles, had rifled through their belongings while they slept upstairs.

Read more: 'Three-strikes' burglar stole Christmas hamper from Shildon house

He made off with a large haul of goods including designer clothing, a computer, a handbag containing bank cards, and multiple bottles of spirits.

Following the report to police, detectives swiftly launching an investigation to locate those involved.

But, it emerged the suspect did not wait long to, “trip himself up”, as a string of fraudulent transactions started to appear on bank accounts for some of the credit and debit cards taken from the stolen handbag.

Checks with available cctv footage revealed the suspect paying for items at a local newsagent, enabled police to arrest Miles within hours, after he was found hiding in the base of a bed.

Officers also recovered most of the stolen property, following a search of the address.

He was arrested and went on to plead guilty to burglary and fraud.

Read more: Burglars struck as two mothers and four children slept

Miles, of no fixed abode, appeared for sentence at Newcastle Crown Court, on Wednesday (March 8).

Having heard that the complainant no longer feels safe in her own home, knowing that Miles was at the foot of her stairs as she and her family slept upstairs, Judge Sarah Mallett imposed a two-year and five-month prison sentence.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Constable Wendy Gribben, who led the investigation for Northumbria Police, said: “Miles is a prolific burglar and I’m pleased to see that he has been jailed so he can no longer cause any harm in the community.

“He was utterly shameless to raid a family’s home while they slept upstairs, all for his own gain.

“Burglary is an intrusive crime, and nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home.

“While, thankfully, we were able to recover a lot of the stolen property for the victims involved, this has clearly had a lasting impact on them.

“I hope this result brings them some comfort and closure, knowing that Miles is now behind bars and has plenty of time to reflect on his appalling actions.

“We would also ask the wider public, including businesses, to continue to work with us to help reduce the impact burglary can have by ensuring doors, windows and properties are kept secure and valuables out of view.”

Read next:

               County Durham burglar hit by car minutes after terrorising Peterlee woman

               Burglar struck at houses in Horden when occupants were away

               Spennymoor man in court after five homes targeted in burglary spree

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The public can report suspicious behaviour in their area, via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force website, or by ringing 101.

But, in an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, the advice is always to dial 999 immediately.

Up to date information on local crime is available via Northumbria Connected: Home Page - Northumbria Connected, the online messaging platform.