Burglar jailed after being found asleep and cradling stolen jewellery in his arms

Police found Anthony Foord surrounded by more than 180 stolen items, including earrings and watches

Anthony Foord was jailed for seven years (Kent Police)

A burglar who was found fast asleep cradling stolen jewellery in his arms, has been jailed.

Anthony Foord had burgled a house in Folkestone on 5 May, taking both the jewellery and money.

Police tracked him down three days later after finding his DNA on a bottle left at the scene. They also received information that the 39-year-old was involved.

When they raided a property he was staying in, they found him asleep on the sofa holding a jewellery box close to his chest.

“He was surrounded by more than 180 other items including earrings, more jewellery boxes and watches,” a spokesperson for Kent Police said. “Foord denied any involvement in the break-in and told officers he couldn’t explain where all the goods had come from.”

A jury found him guilty of burglary at Canterbury Crown Court and he was jailed for seven years.

Investigating officer PC Bethany Gumley said: “Burglary can have such a detrimental impact on victims, often leaving them feeling devastated, afraid and anxious. If victims are lucky they’ll get their belongings back, but that will never heal the emotional damage caused by people like Foord.

“Some of the jewellery we found belonged to the victims of this burglary, some of it we’re yet to find owners for.

"Thankfully the court has given him a lengthy sentence where we hope he’ll take time to reflect on his actions and make better choices in the future.”