A burglar who threatened a homeowner before stealing cash and bank cards has been jailed.

Amardeep Rana claimed to have a gun after forcing his way into an address in Smethwick during the early hours of 24 March this year.

The 34-year-old made off with the items and enquiries established the bank cards were used at two cash points in the area the same day. Police reviewed CCTV which showed it was Rana, of Showell Green Lane, Moseley, on both occasions and he was arrested within days.

Police then obtained fingerprint evidence from a notepad within the burgled address which belonged to Rana.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, and fraud, and was sentenced to two years and one month at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 30 August.

A statement from West Midlands Police, read: “We fully understand the devastating impact burglary can have on those affected whether in their home or business environment and we’ll always look to identify and prosecute offenders.”