An armed burglar who forced his way into a property while owners slept upstairs has been sent to prison.

Portland man Dean Hallam, 51, was jailed for six years and nine months after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary.

Judges at Bournemouth Crown Court heard how Hallam broke into a home at Chiswell, Portland, by forcing a side door open while the occupants were upstairs in bed.

CCTV footage shows two men entering the property - one of them carrying an extendable baton - during the early hours of Saturday September 15, 2018.

A local police officer identified Hallam as the man with the weapon.

He was arrested just under a month later - and a number of the stolen items were later found at his home address.

Between the two men, they stole a television, games console, laptop, mobile phone, scanner - and a meat cleaver - among other items.

Hallam, who lives in Victoria Square, Portland, was sentenced on Wednesday January 23 2019.

The second offender has not been identified.

Detective constable Holly Spillman, of Weymouth CID, said: “Dean Hallam forced his way into someone’s home armed with a weapon and stole a number of valuable items.

“While fortunately nobody was hurt as the victims were not disturbed, it must have been very distressing for them to find that the safety of their home had been violated in this way.

“We are determined to protect our communities from potentially dangerous offenders such as Hallam, and this significant prison sentence will help to ensure this”.

Dorset Police have released the following advice for deterring burglars:

  • Keep doors locked - remove keys from locks as a burglar could reach through a letterbox or catflap
  • Install a burglar alarm and make sure all household members know how to use it
  • Close and lock windows - draw curtains if you're going to be out when it gets dark or you're going away
  • Consider having a gravel path/driveway as it makes anyone approaching the house easier to hear
  • At the back of your property, put up high fences or plant prickly bushes that would be difficult to climb over
  • Make sure gates cannot be climbed over and secure them with appropriate locks

Before going away

  • Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries
  • Ask a neighbour or friend to park their car on your driveway or road outside
  • Use light timer switches and install outside lights