A “BRAZEN and opportunistic burglar” who ransacked a house and stole televisions, a laptop and jewellery has been put behind bars.

Stephen Charles Jackson, of Pigot Street, Newtown has been jailed for three years at Liverpool Crown Court.

Jackson broke his way into a property on Campbell Street, Newtown on Thursday, April 5 of this year.

He ransacked it and stole televisions, a laptop and numerous jewellery items.

The woman occupier returned home at around 9pm to discover the house had been burgled and also saw a knife inside her home which Jackson had brought, which was later forensically linked to him.

Jackson, 33, was arrested and charged with burglary dwelling and pleaded guilty to the offence.

Responding to the sentencing, Detective Inspector Andy McCourt said: “We are delighted to see that yet another brazen and opportunistic burglar has been removed from the streets of Merseyside, and we will keep working hard to ensure more and more offenders are brought to justice.

“Operation Castle continues to have successes in the apprehension, charge and conviction of offenders, and this is down in no small part to the information our communities provided, so keep it coming.

“But we are not complacent and recognise that burglaries have not been completely removed from the streets of Merseyside. Your home is your castle, hence the name of the operation, and we want communities to feel safe in their own homes.

“You can be a part of this, online and in your community. We have been working closely with Neighbourhood Watch schemes so get involved in your local area and help to make a difference down your street. And you can speak to your local officers about the operation, or with any information you may have.”

  •  Anyone with information regarding burglaries is asked to contact 999 if a crime is in progress, or provide information to Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. People can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.