A TEENAGER has been jailed after burgling two elderly victims and stealing cash and jewellery.

Jack Farmer, 18, of Eagle Way, Shoebury, broke into a home in Kingfisher Close, Shoebury on May 3 this year where he stole cash and personal items belonging to an elderly woman.

The value of the items is unknown.

The following month, Farmer, who is also known as Lewis Farmer, broke into a second home in Centurion Close, Shoebury on June 28.

He stole money and jewellery worth £235.

Essex Police’s Operation Titan team, the forensic crime offender unit which tackles burglaries across south Essex, tracked down Farmer.

He was arrested initially arrested on June 25, then further arrested on July 5 for the second offence before he was charge.

Appearing at Southend Magistrates’ Court on July 6 he pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary.

Farmer was then jailed earlier this month at Basildon Crown Court for 21 months.

He will serve half the sentence at a young offenders’ institute before being released on licence.

The conviction has been welcomed by the Shoebury community.

West Shoebury councillor Tony Cox said the custodial sentence is a positive result.

The Conservative councillor added: “I think it’s fair to give credit where credit is due and this is a good result for Essex Police.

“They have ensured they collected enough evidence to bring forward a charge and he has pleaded guilty in the face of the evidence against him.

“This is someone who has caused misery and mayhem to residents in Shoebury.

“The courts have handed down a sentence which fits the crime.

“Quite often in the courts we see judges give suspended sentences so it is positive that this man will be behind bars for a number of months.

“I would say more needs to be done to bring these people to justice.

“Shoebury sees its fair share of burglaries and antisocial behaviour and targeted operations would be welcome to tackle this kind of crime.”