A MAN has been jailed for eight years after a string of burglaries across Hampshire.

Albert Ian James, 58, was tracked down after Hampshire Police launched an extensive investigation.

The raids took place on homes in Fareham, Portsmouth, Bognor Regis, Waterlooville, Littlehampton, and Chichester between October and December 2014.

A jury at Portsmouth Crown Court took four and a half hours to unanimously convict James, who lived at Mill Road Crescent, Chichester.

Investigating officer DS Simon Clacey who oversaw the entire investigation said: "We faced many challenges in identifying James as the suspect responsible for the burglaries.

“Ultimately it was the culmination of circumstantial evidence which convicted James of the offences.

"Due to the quantity of burglaries DC Rebecca Brown was identified as the lead officer for Hampshire Constabulary and DC Jon Woolley for Sussex Police.

“Becky and Jon deserve a special mention as they worked tirelessly over the 20 month investigation to secure justice for James' victims.

“I would like to personally commend their dedication to the investigation.

"This was a very challenging investigation due to lack of forensic and direct evidence, the number of, and geographic distance between the offences.

“However today's result shows how seriously the courts take burglaries like these, making this a very rewarding investigation to have worked on, as I'm confident James' victims will be satisfied with the sentence he has been given.”