A burglar who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at a children’s charity in Peterborough has been jailed.

Jack Hilton, 21, broke into Little Miracles, in Hartwell Way, Westwood, in the early hours of March 13.

He was captured on CCTV throwing a brick at a door of the building before forcing his way in.

He caused damage to electrical items and was seen leaving with an unknown item under his arm.

It is estimated he caused £10,000-worth of damage to the building and various electrical items.

The charity, who support families that have children with additional needs, disabilities and life-limiting conditions, supplied the CCTV footage and Hilton was identified by an officer. He was further linked to the break-in following forensic investigations.

Then on May 25, he broke into a flat in Wollaston Road, Peterborough, and stole an Xbox One and a controller. He was again linked to the break-in forensically.

Finally, on August 6, while on court bail, Hilton broke into a taxi firm in Lincoln Road, stealing a flat screen television, five mobile phones, multiple sim cards, £220 in cash and the keys for a Skoda Octavia.

Hilton’s fingerprints were found at the scene and he was captured on CCTV.

On August 17, an employee at the firm called police after seeing Hilton and recognising him from CCTV footage of the burglary.

Hilton, of no known address, admitted three counts of burglary and on Thursday, September 28, at Cambridge Crown Court, he was jailed for two years and eight months.

DC Ieuan Friend said: “The damage caused to Little Miracles had a huge impact on the charity. To target them in this way really was callous.

“We know the devastating impact burglary can have on victims, which is why tackling it is a force priority.”