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 March 24 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. 

Officers reviewed CCTV which showed it was Rana, of Showell Green Lane, Moseley, on both occasions and he was arrested within days.

Police found 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 August 30. 

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “The investigation was led by our dedicated Sandwell neighbourhood crime team.

“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”.