Burglar Nigel Jones has been jailed for more than four years after he was caught red-handed with his loot at Knebworth train station by an off-duty police officer.

Jones, 38, of Russett Wood in Welwyn Garden City, was sentenced to four years and eight months imprisonment at St Albans Crown Court on Friday, September 1, for two burglaries.

The two burglaries happened in Cypress Avenue in Welwyn Garden City and Watton Road in Knebworth in July and August of this year respectively.

During both of the burglaries, Jones stole a significant amount of property from the houses including cash, jewellery, computer equipment, mobile phones, games consoles and games.

He was arrested on August 1, the date of the burglary in Watton Road, after he was spotted behaving suspiciously and carrying three rucksacks by an off-duty police officer at Knebworth train station.

The officer decided to approach Jones to make enquires, but he ran off and the officer then pursued him on foot.

Jones was detained and arrested a short while later while still within the grounds of the station.

He was found to have the stolen property from the burglary in Watton Road in his possession at the time.

The investigation into these crimes was carried out by detectives from North Herts and Welwyn Hatfield’s Local Crime Units.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kylie Davies, from Welwyn Hatfield’s Local Crime Unit, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this sentencing.

“Nigel Jones is a prolific offender who has caused a great deal of distress to his victims.

“We hope that the significant amount of time he is due to spend in prison will give him time to consider the consequences of his criminality.

“I also hope that the significant length of this sentencing sends out clear message to anyone considering committing burglary within North Herts and Welwyn Hatfield that anyone found to be responsible will be dealt with robustly.”