A burglar who broke into homes near Swanley while pretending to deliver leaflets has been jailed for more than two years.

Massa Oyegbalo, 27, targeted two homes in Eynsford Rise last year, but was caught after he was seen acting suspiciously by an off-duty police officer.

Oyegbalo smashed the windows of both houses on September 5, entering one of them and trying to force the door of another.

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He then tried to escape the area by boarding a train at Eynsford station.

However, he was unaware an off-duty police officer had already raised the alarm and Oyegbalo was arrested at the next stop in Swanley.

Oyegbalo told police he was only delivering leaflets in the area

He was searched and a number of suspicious items were recovered including a tie clip, gloves and a small implement with a metal point believed to have been used to smash the windows.

While being questioned by police, Oyegbalo said he had been visiting the area to post leaflets to help advertise a relative’s electric car company.

He said he came across two homes which had broken glass in the porch areas, adding he was worried for the occupants so had been knocking hard on the doors.

He also claimed he had bought the tie clip as a present for his girlfriend.

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Oyegbalo, of no fixed address, appeared before Maidstone Crown Court and charged with both burglary and attempted burglary.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

Detective Sergeant Dave Higham said: "Oyegbalo is a prolific and repeat offender who travelled by train to Eysnford with the sole intention of committing burglaries.

"Thankfully the quick thinking of an off-duty officer meant we were able to catch him almost straight away and also seize evidence which meant he had little choice but to plead guilty in court.

"I would like to remind residents that they can help us track down offenders and secure successful convictions by identifying personal and valuable possessions.

"Mark your property, by taking photographs of items and recording serial numbers. In the event of anything being stolen this greatly improves the chances of your property being reunited with you."