A CONVICTED thief who posed as a bogus worker to snatch expensive items from a business park has been jailed.

Ian Wickens, of Birchwood, was caged for three years and three months at Warrington Crown Court on Thursday after taking on various guises to steal laptops, car keys and a car from Birchwood Park.

The court heard Wickens posed as a prospective office worker, an employee and on one occasion claimed he was there to pick up an application form, as a front to carry out his stealing spree.

On one occasion he broke into a worker's locker and stole keys to a Ford Focus and took the vehicle.

The 26-year-old was charged with four counts of burglary following his arrest on February 14.

He had only been released from prison for a previous offence of burglary two months earlier.

In total Wickens has more than 50 previous convictions,some for burglary.

PC Sam Griffths of Warrington East Neigbourhood Policing Unit, who investigated the case said: "This is an example of excellent proactive policing.

"This result means Wickens a prolific burglar, is off the streets and unable to commit further crimes.

"This case should send out a message to others committing these crimes."