AN 18-year-old has been jailed for three years after snatching jewellery from families in Ellesmere Port and Greater Manchester.

Larry Berry, of Eccleston Avenue, Ellesmere Port pleaded guilty to three burglaries and five driving offences at Chester Crown Court and was sentenced on Friday, July 6.

On New Year's Day 2017, Berry had forced his way into a family's home on Trumans Lane in Ellesmere Port by smashing a window at the back of the house with a brick.

As he made his way throughout the house he stole two watches, earrings, two necklaces and keys to an Audi.

Berry then drove away from the home in the stolen car.

Just nine days later, Berry travelled to Oldham where he ransacked a home on Kingsway Close before taking jewellery, a digital camera, mobile phones and a baseball cap.

On both occasions the homeowners were not at the property at the time of the incident.

Berry also broke into another house on Denbydale Way in Royton and stole designer handbags and jewellery on January 10.

Shortly after the burglary, the Audi which was stolen on New Year’s Day was involved in a collision on Oldham Road in Rochdale.

All occupants who were inside the car ran from the scene.

Inside the car were the designer handbags stolen from the house on Denbydale Way.

On June 6 Berry was arrested after being identified by a police officer as he drove along Blacon Avenue.

Detective sergeant Nick Henderson said: “Berry is a selfish career-criminal who spends his time breaking into the homes of families and leaving a trail of destruction behind without a care for how this may impact on them.

“In some cases we have been able to return the stolen property to the families affected by Berry’s actions. I hope in some way knowing that Berry has been caught and punished for his crimes will serve as justice for the victims he targeted.”