A MAN was jailed for four years for burglary after leaving a distinctive footprint at the scene.

Lee Heath Jones, of Hazel Avenue, Darwen, was found guilty after a three-day trial of stealing electrical items and cash from a house.

Preston Crown Court heard Jones, 47, left an unusually clear footwear mark inside the kitchen of the property when he broke in.

Police had arrested Jones over a similar incident in the area four weeks earlier.

While speaking to him, officers found a pair of trainers matching the marks and Jones was then arrested.

Det Insp Warren Atkinson said: “Lee Heath Jones is an habitual offender who specialises in committing dwelling burglaries. He is well known to officers throughout the county.

“I am pleased with the sentence and I hope it sends out a strong message to anyone thinking of committing dwelling burglaries within Lancashire.

“Burglaries have a significant impact on victims and it is important we continue to protect people from harm.”

The sentencing comes during Lancashire police’s Operation Julius, aimed at preventing burglary, targeting criminals and detecting burglaries across the county.

It is running throughout the autumn and winter and will see officers using overt and covert tactics including visits to Lancashire’s top 30 burglary suspects, executing warrants and high-visibility police patrols.