A MAN has been jailed after committing burglaries at a number of business premises including hairdressers and a pharmacy across the Forest of Dean.

Samuel Davies, 24 and of no fixed abode, has been jailed for eight months for committing three burglaries in Newent, Coleford and Lydney.

Davies used a fire extinguisher to smash his way into a pharmacy in Coleford on 10 March.

Damage was also caused to a hairdressers in Newent on 6 May as Davies forced his way in. Overnight between 29 and 30 June entry was also gained to a hairdressers in Lydney and Davies admitted all of the offences.

Extensive damage was caused to each premises where tills were targeted and cash was taken along with gift vouchers.

Davies also admitted two further offences at a shop and hairdressers in Coleford on 10 March where entry was gained and cash was taken.

Overnight between 8 and 9 April a hairdressers in Lydney was broken into but nothing was believed to have been stolen. A further offence was committed at a Newent bookshop on 6 May where a rear window was smashed but entry was not gained.

Three further offences were committed in Lydney on 30 June at a shop, hairdressers and a restaurant where cash was taken. All of these admitted offences were taken into consideration.

Gloucestershire Constabulary Police Constable Leanne Sterry said: "Davies targeted local business premises, attacking them during the early hours of the morning. His actions caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to premises and huge loses to the owners.

"Davies managed to remain at large for several months as he committed crimes across different force areas. We recognise the impact that this type of crime has on our communities and worked with our bordering police forces, sharing intelligence in order to bring Davies to justice."

Davies was jailed at Mold Crown Court on Thursday 9 November for a total of three and a half years after admitting numerous break-ins.

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