A 'DEPLORABLE' burglar who ransacked a charity shop in Widnes to steal a collection box has been jailed for nearly four years.

Wayne Chadburn, of Victoria Road, Widnes, is now behind bars after committing four burglaries in the town over a 10-day period during his crime spree.

The court heard how the 48-year-old broke into Holland & Barrett on Albert Road on February 18 and 28.

On the first occasion nothing was taken but on the second break-in, Chadburn stole a quantity of stock.

Between 5.30pm on February 27 and 8am on February 28, Chadburn broke into a charity shop in the town centre.

After ransacking the British Heart Foundation store in Albert Square Shopping Centre he stole a charity box containing cash as well as cameras and jewellery.

On the same night Chadburn also burgled a house as the homeowners slept on Frederick Street, stealing a quantity of cash and a number of items, including electrical devices and bank cards.

He then used the bank cards to fraudulently buy items from Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets in the town.

Chadburn was arrested after CCTV footage showed him trying to use the stolen cards at Asda.

Following his arrest, a search warrant was executed at a property where Chadburn was believed to be staying at.

During the search officers found items linking him to the burglary on Frederick Street as well as the British Heart Foundation burglary.

Traces of Chadburn’s DNA were found following the two Holland & Barrett burglaries.

Chadburn , who pleaded guilty to the four burglaries and five counts of fraud, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on July 25.

Chadburn was also ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

DC Michael Higgins said: “We are pleased that Chadburn is now behind bars and hope that this acts as a deterrent to others thinking of committing similar offences.

“All burglaries are serious offences in which people are targeted in places they should be able to feel most safe – in their own homes or where they work.

“But what makes Chadburn’s offending particularly deplorable is that he targeted a charity shop and also burgled a house while the homeowners were inside.

“We hope the fact that Chadburn will be in prison for the foreseeable future paying for his crimes provides some closure for his victims.”