A Tiptree man has received a 14 month prison sentence following a police investigation into thefts from Burnham Yacht Harbour.

A series of thefts targeted boat outboard engines, to the value of £6,000, from the harbour in February.

Following a police investigation, drugs and property, estimated to be worth £10,000-£15,000, was recovered from across the UK.

Much of the property has been identified as belonging to victims of thefts from areas all over Essex.

Police reunited one Chelmsford theft victim, Graham Woodward, with his outboard motor, after tracing it to a Cheshire address through Ebay.

Mr Woodward said: "I am exceptionally impressed with Essex Police tracking down and return my outboard motor and the successful prosecution of the person responsible."

Police officers arrested Matthew Lamb, aged 34, of Elm Close, Tiptree for handling stolen property and drugs offences.

He received a 14 month prison sentence and investigations are still ongoing into a second suspect.

Police reminded the public to record property serial numbers and underlined the importance of taking certain crime prevention measures such as removing outboard engines when not in use.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "It shows the determination of Essex Police to pursue and prosecute those involved in marine crime."