A PROLIFIC thief who repeatedly broke into people’s cars and stole cash and bank cards has been jailed after police found him “hiding in his girlfriend’s wardrobe”.

Mark Harris, 39, of Leicester Avenue, Rochford, has been jailed for six months for his spree of crimes which saw him repeatedly target cars parked on the side of the road.

He stole more than £1,000 worth of items including bank cards and sunglasses between September and November in Rochford, Westcliff and Southend.

After being arrested, Harris pleaded guilty to 23 charges against him.

PC Trevor Philips, who led the investigation, confirmed that officers found Harris hiding in his girlfriend’s wardrobe on December 22 and he was arrested at the scene.

He added: “Due to several residents having some good CCTV footage, I was able to get the suspect responsible identified as being Mark Harris.

“This was a prolific offender who moved down to Rochford from Salford near Manchester.

“This is a great result and one which all the victims are pleased about as they no longer feel like they’re being constantly targeted as some had been victims three times.”

Officers were not able to recover stolen items, but did retrieve bank cards, which were linked to further crimes committed, but were not linked to any suspect.

Some of the clothing recovered from Harris matched up to clothes worn on CCTV footage provided as evidence by victims.

Mr Phillips added: “Where stolen cards were subsequently used, enquiries were made at these locations, the CCTV acquired also showed Harris being responsible.

“From speaking to several victims, I was able to confirm which cases were linked to Harris and further evidence in statements was obtained with the help of PC Mel Bailey.

“Footage clips were put into a format that was easily conveyed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).”

Harris was interviewed by police and answered no comment to all questions before the CPS authorised 23 charges.

He was charged with three counts of fraud by false representation, seven counts of theft from motor vehicles and 13 counts of vehicle interferences.

Harris was remanded in custody and appeared in court on December 23, pleading guilty to all 23 offences.

He was handed a 24-week prison sentence.