A thief who targeted sport training facilities and cricket grounds in Somerset has been jailed for an string of offences.

Alan Philip, 62, who also uses the name Anthony Tye, has been sentenced to five years imprisonment following a raft of burglaries.

Philip entered sport training facilities and cricket grounds, stealing personal property belonging to students.

He pleaded guilty to twenty-nine offences in Avon and Somerset and other polices forces, dating back to summer of 2014. He was sentenced on Friday (17/04) at Lewes Crown Court.

A police spokesman said: “Alan Philip travelled the length and breadth of England using public transport and staying in guest houses. He meticulously researched local sports fixtures and teams, arriving before the games started to familiarise himself with the changing rooms and exits.

“During the matches, he would sometimes mingle with the crowd and speak to the players during halftime, convincing them he was working for the other team and collecting valuables for ‘safe keeping’. On other occasions, he would enter changing rooms and help himself to the contents of bags and lockers.

“This concludes a challenging investigation; Philip had no bank accounts, relatives or personal vehicle and was incredibly hard to trace. After committing his audacious crimes he would leave the area, making his way to the next town or city.

“Philip was traced after taking a photograph on a stolen mobile phone which was traced and his location revealed.

“He was a prolific offender who stole a large amount of personal property and cash, much of which remains outstanding. This has caused considerable hardship and misery for his many victims.”