POLICE have warned criminals they will continue to investigate long-standing crimes.

The warning comes following the jailing of a 33-year-old man for a burglary dating back almost three years.

During the break-in a handbag was snatched from under the nose of the sleeping house owner.

During the night of July 29, 2001 Glyn James Whitehurst gained access to a house in West Road, Congleton.

He searched the ground floor rooms, and took a handbag which was next to the owner of the house, who was asleep on the sofa in the lounge.

Following forensic examinations at the scene a fingerprint was identified, and placed on the National Fingerprint Database.

On January 5 this year the print recovered was matched to Whitehurst, from Stoke-on-Trent.

He was subsequently charged in connection with the burglary, and was sent to prison for 15 months at Chester Crown Court.

"This offence should serve as a warning that police retain records in connection with dated crimes," said Det Con Rob Balfour from Congleton Police.

"If further evidence is ever uncovered the offender will be dealt with no matter how long has passed since the crime was committed.

"This crime was a very traumatic event for the victims, especially as property was stolen literally from under the nose of one of the victims, who was asleep at the time of the offence.

"I hope the fact that this offender has been brought to justice will help the victim's family come to terms with the incident."