A 'PROLIFIC' burglar who carried out a string of burglaries in rural homes across the county has been jailed. 

Alex Clifton, 20, of Windmill Road in Headington was convicted of four counts of burglary at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, September, 7.

He targeted homes in Cherwell and West Oxfordshire over the course of two weeks and later admitted to a further 11 offences.

Clifton was arrested and charged on August 9 following burglaries on July 24 at a property in Swerford, on August 5 at a property in Burdrop, on August 6 at a property in Barford St Michael and on August 8 at a property in Stonesfield.

Thames Valley Police said jewellery and cash were taken during the incidents. 

The further 11 offences Clifton admitted included burglary, attempted burglary and theft of a motor vehicle in Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and Oxford and these were taken into consideration during the sentencing. 

After pleading guilty, he was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment.

Investigator Claire Rennie based at Banbury police station, said: “Clifton was a prolific burglar preying predominantly on the rural villages targeting properties for cash and gold jewellery.

“Thames Valley Police works to ensure that people committing crimes like this will be investigated, prosecuted and face prison.”