Police officers have priased the public in Milford Haven and Neyland after a burglar was caught and jailed.

Thomas John Picton, aged 34, was arrested after Cohens pharmacy and Heaven Scent, both in Milford Haven, were broken into overnight on Monday, November 25, 2019.

He denied the offences during interview, but officers examined both scenes and found traces of blood at both businesses.

These samples were fast-tracked by forensic experts, along with DNA evidence from a hammer and a hat which had been discarded.

The results confirmed Picton was the offender, and he was charged with two counts of burglary and one count of criminal damage.

He appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, January 3, where he entered a guilty plea to two counts of burglary and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Detective Constable Jamie Hughes said: “Officers identified possible DNA evidence at the scene of both burglaries, and ensured these samples were analysed swiftly.

“Thanks to this, we were able to arrest and charge the offender within 24 hours of receiving the result of a positive match.

“We would like to thank the community for their support during this investigation, and with our enquiries regarding other break-ins at businesses in Milford Haven and Neyland.

“If anyone has concerns and would like advice on securing their business, please contact the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.”