A shoeless burglar has been jailed after a police helicopter found him running across the A52.
The man, who discarded his muddy shoes minutes before he was arrested, had stolen expensive jewellery in a series of incidents across Nottinghamshire.
Shaun Cobb, 28 of Falcon Way, East Leake, was sentenced to four years on May 13 at Nottingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to three burglaries.
The charges relate to a series of incidents in 2019 including house burglaries in Oundle Drive, Wollaton (November 7), in London Lane, Willoughby-on-the-Wolds (October 25) and in Ruddington Lane (November 17).
He was arrested following the third incident in Wilford after a report of a man trying to gain entry to a home through the patio doors.
Officers arrived on the scene and heard Cobb run off into the garden and over a fence. A search was launched with the assistance of a police dog and the force's helicopter, which spotted him running across the A52.
He was covered in mud and had no shoes on after he discarded them before being detained. Officers then forensically investigated the prints to match his trainers. Going back to the crime scene muddy footprints were discovered inside the house where he had broken in.
Police Constable Daniel Maddick, of the dedicated burglary team, said: "We welcome this conviction and sentence which sends out a positive message that Nottinghamshire Police treats burglary very seriously.
"Cobb was an opportunist thief and we now hope that his victims and the local community can get comfort from knowing that he is now behind bars.
"During the proceedings Cobb had applied for bail on two occasions but we were able to prevent this from happening which undoubtedly prevented Cobb from committing further offences.
"We take all burglaries incredibly seriously and will investigate to the best of our ability in order to uncover any evidence we can to link the offender to the scene.
"Clearly it is not acceptable to enter someone's home and steal from them but we kindly remind residents to double check that all windows and doors are locked before going out or going to bed."
