A burglar caught after a car chase has been jailed after officers found him with loot including a bag bearing the victim’s name.

Stanley Wood, 28, was found guilty at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday after denying the charges.

Passing sentence the same day, Judge David Farrell handed him a five-year term behind bars.

Wood, of Oatfield Gardens in Leighton Buzzard, smashed in through the back door of a house in Stotfold’s Campion Avenue in July 2016.

He ransacked the property and made off with a haul including two Apple MacBooks, two iPhones and several items of jewellery.

Wood was captured on CCTV buying a crowbar shortly before the burglary.

Later on the day of the crime, a car that had been seen in the area at the time of the burglary failed to stop for police in Baldock.

After a short chase, Wood was found in the vehicle. A police search of the car uncovered several of the items stolen from the house, including a bag with the victim’s name on it.

Det Con Surinder Ram, who investigated the crime, said: “We are delighted to have taken another burglar off the streets of Bedfordshire and hope this sentence acts as a deterrent for those who think nothing of breaking into someone’s home.

“We are committed to tackling this distressing crime and will do all we can to take action against those who commit these callous acts against others.”

• As thieves can take advantage of the darker nights during winter, the Bedfordshire force is reminding people to secure their homes and keep them lit.

Bedfordshire Police provides the following anti-burglary advice:

• Make your house look lived-in – burglars won’t be tempted by a full house.

• Lock up when you leave – make sure all and windows on your house, vehicle and garages or sheds are securely locked.

• Keep valuables out of sight – keys, wallets, mobile phones and laptops left in view can entice opportunist thieves.

• Don’t give crooks an easy entry – never leave keys under a doormat or in a flowerpot.

• Look out for neighbours – ask a friend to keep an eye on your house if you go away, and do the same for neighbours.

Call 101 to report an incident, or 999 if a crime is in progress. You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.