A prolific burglar who targeted empty homes during the day to nick valuables has been jailed.

David O'Shea, 35 and of Southend Crescent, Eltham, was sentenced to five years and four months' in prison after pleading guilty to 10 counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday, February 20.

The offences were committed between August 2018 and January 2019 across Bexley and Greenwich.

In each case, O'Shea gained entry by smashing a window at the side or back of the property, and ransacked the property before stealing cash, jewellery and electrical items.

A number of the victims were elderly.

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With the attempted burglary, O'Shea was disturbed by residents, and the elderly occupant of the property was in at the time.

The investigation was lead by South East Command Unit CID based at Lewisham.

DNA evidence linked O'Shea to each of the offences, with CCTV and witness accounts also supporting the case against him.

He was arrested on January 21, 2019, and gave a no comment interview.

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Speaking on the case, Detective Constable Brad Wood of the South-East Command Unit, said: "David is a prolific burglar and serial offender with many prior convictions who indiscriminately targeted homes to steal valuables.

"He left a number of elderly, vulnerable residents feeling violated, unsafe, and not wanting to leave their homes.

"Due to the evidence amassed against O'Shea by investigators, he was forced to admit the offences. He is now in jail serving a long sentence where he cannot commit further crimes against the law-abiding public."

A full list of O'Shea's offences and streets he targeted include:

1. Burglary - Fen Grove, Sidcup DA15, August 10 2018

2. Burglary - Glenesk Road SE9, August 30 2018

3. Burglary - Manor Way SE3, between September 7-9 2018

4. Burglary - Kidbrooke Park Road SE9, September 9 2018

5. Attempted burglary - Brookway SE3, September 9 2018

6. Burglary - Carisbrooke Avenue Bexley DA5, September 21 2018

7. Burglary - Westmount Road SE9, January 5019

8. Burglary - Avery Hill Road SE9, January 6 2019

9. Burglary - Tiverton Drive SE9, January 8 2019

10. Burglary - Rippersley Road, Welling, Kent, January 16 2019

11. Burglary - Barnehurst Road, Bexleyheath DA7, January 19 2019