A burglar whose blood was detected on a safe he tried to steal in Swanley has been jailed.

Nelson Ripley smashed his way into a home in London road on March 3 but left empty handed as his victim returned home.

He dragged a safe out of the house with the intention of loading it onto a van that also belonged to the victim.

Ripley, of Russett Way in Kings Hill, West Malling, was forced to abort plans to use the van as a getaway vehicle.

Detective Constable Steven Brown said: “Ripley forced his way into the property by smashing through a rear door.

“The victim then returned home to also find her front door open and the safe next to the van, with the engine still running.

“Thankfully, the crucial evidence obtained by our crime scene investigators left Ripley with no choice but to plead guilty.

“Being burgled leaves victims feeling violated and vulnerable in their own property, but I do hope in this instance those affected by Ripley’s actions can at least take comfort from the fact justice has been swiftly served.”

Police discovered the 30-year-old had left behind a trail of evidence in blood samples left on the safe, inside the house and on the steering wheel of the van.

Tests matched Ripley’s DNA to the crime scene and he was arrested on March 17.

Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty after initially denying the charge of burglary and was sentenced to two years in prison.