A burglar who twice struck at a school has been sentenced to prison.

Unemployed Luke Slater, 21, of Rowdowns Road, Dagenham, was handed a 32-week jail term at Romford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

He was found guilty of burgling Marsh Green Primary School, New Road, Dagenham, in July and again in August, landing 18 weeks in prison for the first offence and 14 weeks for the second, to run consecutively.

Around £1,000 worth of video and projection equipment was stolen from the school.

Det Insp Lou Shepherd said: “Police fully understand the traumatic effects of becoming a victim of burglary.

“In cases where a school is targeted a large number of people are affected by the damage and/or loss of property.

“Myself, and my team will continue to use every available resource in order to place the pedlars of this misery before the courts.”

Anyone with information concerning burglary or the sale of stolen goods is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In cases where someone is hanging around and acting suspiciously dial 999 to speak with police.