A man who left a trail of blood inside a vets and chip shop as he burgled them of cash, has been jailed after police used DNA to link him to the crimes.

Nicholas Powis, 31, of Hawkins Close, Preston, was sentenced at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 15, after pleading guilty to committing two burglaries last month.

Around 1am on June 24, police received a report that Riverbank Veterinary Centre in Watery Lane, Preston, had been broken into.

The offender had smashed through the door of the property with four charity boxes stolen.

Around 1.30am on the same day, police received a report the Tulketh Chippy in Tulketh Brow had been broken into, again with cash stolen.

A spokesperson for the police said: "Crime Scene Investigators attended the break in at the vets, with some blood spots found inside.

"A spot of blood was forensically tested, with the DNA matching to Powis.

"Further DNA evidence was found at the chip shop, again linking Powis to the crime.

"He was later arrested and charged with both offences."

Powis was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison.

Lancashire Telegraph: