A PROLIFIC thief who broke into dozens of cars and stole power tools has been jailed for three years.

Jason Connors, 24, was linked to 65 different theft from vehicle offences which occurred across East Anglia between September and October 2019.

Police found 19 of those offences, which happened in Braintree, Halstead and Chelmsford, were connected to a series of similar incidents in Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.

Connors was initially arrested by Hertfordshire Police at a service station off the M25 on September 3.

He was also arrested by Essex Police near to the A12 at Boreham on October 4.

On each occasion, officers discovered a number of power tools inside the vehicle Connors was in.

On the second occasion he was arrested, officers also found the car he was in was using false number plates.

Connors, of Tamar Way, Slough, was charged with conspiracy to steal and he admitted the offence in court.

He also admitted failing to provide a specimen and driving while disqualified.

Connors was sentenced to three years in jail when appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, June 25.

He was also banned from driving for 21 months.

Speaking after sentencing, detective sergeant Leila Sandford, from Braintree CID, said: “We know the impact have items stolen from your vehicle can have, particularly if they’re things like tools which you need to work.

“Jason Connors has no respect for other people’s possessions.

“He is a prolific thief who’s actions have caused misery to those members of our communities whose vehicles he broke into.

“This conviction and sentencing is the result of a lot of hard work across the criminal investigation department and the community policing team.

“I would also like to thank the members of the public who have provided statements which have been important to securing this result.”