A THIEF who targeted a park lodge has been jailed after failing to heed a court warning.

Jack Allen, aged 40, of Tennyson Road, Bury, broke into the Lodge in Openshaw Park, Bury, in January 2015 with intent to steal and was given a suspended sentence.

Magistrates warned Allen to stay out of trouble for a year — but he was back reoffending before Christmas.

On December 6, Allen broke into Walmersley Butchers in Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, and stole goods worth £1,869.

Then on December 14, he broke into H20 Car Wash in Railway Street, Ramsbottom, and stole goods worth £2,130.

Finally, on December 18, Allen broke into the base of Constructive Driveways in Stubbins Lane, Ramsbottom, and stole items worth £300.

Allen appeared before Bury magistrates on February 3 and admitted three counts of theft, one count of cannabis possession and one count of amphetamine possession.

He was jailed for 50 weeks after magistrates said the offences were serious because of the nature of the break ins and Allen’s length record for similar matters.

After the hearing, Chris Barlow, owner of Constructive Driveways, said: "It's a shame he resorted to this.

"If he'd come and asked for help, I probably would have given it to him.

"The break in caused damage costing about £1,500 and this kind of break in disrupts business."

Mr Barlow added: "I don't know the guy, but it seems that he needs rehabilitation and I hope he gets the help he needs.

"I don't blame the police for these kinds of things. They are doing a good job."