A BURGLAR who went on a crime spree in the Conwy area and Flintshire to fund his drug habit has been locked up for 19 months.

Anthony Hogan rented a caravan in Towyn with an accomplice before targeting businesses in a series of early morning raids, including Tal-y-Bont Post Office where the losses to the business totalled £3,500.

Jailing him at Mold Crown Court, Judge Niclas Parry told Hogan: “You have convictions for serious drug offences, for violence and weapons and you acted in character travelling to North Wales to make a nest so you could commit crime.”

Hogan broke into a shed at the Old White House restaurant in Conwy where the owner found a chainsaw missing the next day.

At Park Hall Hotel next door three sheds were targeted and CCTV captured Hogan and his accomplice moving items into a vehicle.

Climbing equipment, safety boots and a large spirit level were stolen.

The pair moved on to the post office where they broke in by forcing a door with a crowbar. The till carrying £600 cash was taken along with the entire stock of tobacco worth £700, £2,000 worth of petty cash in a box and an Acer laptop on which the post officer proprietor kept all the business accounts.

The burglaries were committed in the early hours of the morning, but by 2pm that day Hogan and the other man had moved on to Broughton Retail Park where his car was spotted pulling up by the River Island store from where he stole 10 pairs of jeans worth £420.

Police arrested the pair at a caravan park in Towyn and a large quantity of the stolen items were found in a Peugeot car.

Hogan, 37, of Helmsley Road, Halewood pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary as well as theft on October 11 last year.

Defence barrister Reginald Mills said the burglaries and theft were committed to fund Hogan’s reliance on drugs.

“He needed the money and it was the only way at that time to support his drug habit,” said Mr Mills.

“He had returned to using drugs after his father died and he know realises he has to do something to address his problems.”

Judge Parry - who added a month to Hogan's 18-month term for failing to attend court - added: “These are businesses that are trying to provide a vital service in a rural community and those who come from outside North Wales to disrupt community life need to know that they will go into custody.”