A Newcastle-under-Lyme man who burgled homes, businesses and a car in the town has been jailed.

Robert Anthony Smith, 44, of Cross Heath, was sentenced to three years and three months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 15 October).

He admitted two counts of burglary and one count of possession of a knife in a public place, obstruct a constable in execution of duty and theft from a motor vehicle.

Sergeant Steven Anckaert, from the Staffordshire Police County Proactive and Rural Crime Team, said: "Smith took from a number of people and businesses in Newcastle and has rightfully been brought to justice for his offending.

"We know how deeply these crimes can impact on local people and we are determined to act proactively against those responsible."

The first offence took place in January, when Smith took £77 worth of goods from a Chesterton shop without paying.

In March, he then took a battery charger from the boot of a car from a car garage on Newcastle High Street.

Smith also took an e-bike, worth more than £1,000, and rode it back to his home after he had forced his way into an address in Keele in May.

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On 2 June, Smith took clothing from the porch of a house in Audley.

Staffordshire Police said he was later stopped by officers with the stolen property, as well as a Stanley knife that was found in his pocket.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "After being charged with the offences, we built the evidence against Smith, who was left with little choice but to admit his offences in court."