A junkie who burgled homes in Kilburn and West Hampstead to feed his drug habit less than a week after being released from jail has been sent back to prison.

Massimo Martinez was caught after he was placed under surveillance by Brent Police who suspected him of returning to his old ways following his release on licence.

The 35-year-old was arrested after officers spotted him breaking into a property in Maygrove Road and Iverson Road, on February 28.

He was found with possessions taken from both addresses and charged with burglary.

He was also charged with burgling two properties in Ariel Road and Iverson Road, on February 26 and 27.

He had been released from jail on February 21.

Last week, Martinez, of no fixed address, appeared at Harrow Crown Court where he admitted four counts of burglary and was jailed for three years.

PC Gavin Davies, investigating officer, said: “Burglary has a painful and long-lasting affect on its victims for whom Martinez gave no consideration. “Local residents can be assured that police in Brent are doing everything within their powers to target burglary offenders operating on this borough and to arrest them when they least expect it.”