A man has been sentenced to four months in prison after pleading guilty to five burglaries committed over several days.

Ben Kempster, 40, of no fixed abode, was arrested on Sunday, August 27, after being identified as a suspect for crimes against businesses in the Watford town centre.

Watford Observer: Ben KempsterBen Kempster (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Inspector Dan Jones, who leads the safer neighbourhood team in Watford, said: “Kempster is a prolific offender and it’s clear from his crime spree that he has a total disregard for those who own and run the businesses in our town centre.

“I’m pleased we have been able to arrest, charge and remand Kempster so swiftly, which is testament to the tenacity of all those who were involved in achieving this result.”

Kempster’s first offence was at Domino’s Pizza in St Albans Road at 1.30am on Sunday, August 20, where he forced the door open with a tool. No items were stolen but the door was damaged.

Watford Observer: Domino’s Pizza in St Albans RoadDomino’s Pizza in St Albans Road (Image: Google Street View)

On Monday, August 21, Kempster stole cash from the till in Creams Café in The Parade, High Street, at 4.15am.

He returned in the early hours of the next day where he stole cash from the tip box.

Watford Observer: Creams Café in The ParadeCreams Café in The Parade (Image: Google Street View)

The remaining offences were all committed in the early hours of Sunday, August 27, at premises in The Parade, the first being Popworld, where Kempster stole five bottles of champagne.

He then broke into the Heather and Rose Health food shop where he stole the cash float before forcing his way into Hanako Japanese restaurant, where nothing was taken.

Police enquiries identified Kempster as a suspect and he was arrested hours later, before being charged.

He appeared at Hatfield Remand Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to five counts of commercial burglary and one count of attempted burglary.

Inspector Jones said: “I hope this outcome serves as reassurance to the businesses and residents of Watford that we will always do everything in our power to capture those who target hard-working individuals in our community.”