Lee Heath James

A burglar has been jailed after leaving a footprint at the scene of the crime.

Lee Heath Jones, 47, of Hazel Avenue, Darwen, was caught after officers found a “very good and rare footwear mark” inside the kitchen of the home on Blackpool Road he had entered.

Jones has been jailed for four years after he was found guilty at Preston Crown Court of burglary.

He entered the property in August 2013 and stole a number of electrical items and cash.

Jones had been arrested four weeks prior to the Blackpool Road burglary, and officers used the footprint to prove he was in the house.

Det Insp Warren Atkinson said: “Lee Heath Jones is an habitual offender who specialises in committing dwelling burglaries. For this reason he is well known to officers throughout the county.

“I am pleased with the sentence that has been given and I hope it sends out a strong message to anyone thinking of committing dwelling burglaries within Lancashire.

“Burglaries have a significant impact on victims and it is important we continue to protect people from harm.”