A prolific home burglar who stole cars and then used victims’ bank cards at takeaways and petrol stations has been jailed for nine years.
James Hearne, 29, of no fixed address, appeared by video link at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, July 16 where he was locked up for eight years for six counts of burglary and six months for two counts of theft.
He received concurrent sentences for a further three counts of theft and for four counts of fraud.
Essex Police linked Hearn to burglaries in Brentwood, Harlow, Chigwell, Woodford Green, Wickford and Witham between November 2019 and March 2020.
Hearne has been jailed for eight years. Photo: Essex Police
The first incident was reported in Brentwood where several watches were stolen, the court heard.
Hearne went on to burgle a house in Harlow overnight on January 17 while the occupant was away before stealing a vehicle and using her bank card to order food.
On March 3, Hearne burgled properties in Chigwell and Woodford Green, once again taking two cars and using bank cards at a petrol station and at a McDonald’s restaurant.
He went on to burgle an address in Wickford on March 16 and used a bank card at a shop before burgling a home in Witham the next day.
Hearne was arrested in Romford on March 31.
The prolific burglar was caught using his victims' bank cards at a McDonald's. Photo: Essex Police
Detective Sergeant David Wilkinson, of Brentwood CID, said: “Hearne is prolific burglar who has received a substantial custodial sentence for his crimes.
“He was brazen, targeting homes across Essex to steal the occupants’ vehicles before using their bank cards to pay for food and other items.
“Hearne left a trial of evidence behind and we made it our mission to bring him to justice.
“His DNA was found at burglary scenes and within the vehicles we located and his image could clearer be seen during his visits to petrol stations and fast food restaurants.
“I know our communities and our homes are safer with Hearne locked in a prison cell.”
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