A man stole cash from three different businesses in a burglary spree.

Samuel Hocking, 35, targeted shops in Brighton on Saturday.

Hocking’s spree began at 8.15am when he entered a business in The Droveway, Hove, and removed a cash drawer from the tills.

Hocking, of Goodway Way, Brighton, dropped it after being disturbed by staff but left with the cash.

About 20 minutes later, he went into a business in Preston Drove, Brighton, and stole some takings after unsuccessfully attempting to remove the till drawer.

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Six hours later, Hocking entered a shop in Warren Way, Woodingdean, and took the contents of a till drawer after forcing it open.

Following the third incident, Hocking’s number plate was reported to police and he was apprehended in Benfield Way.

He was arrested for burglary and asked to provide a breath sample, which found he had exceeded the alcohol limit.

He was then subsequently arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

On Sunday Hocking was charged with three counts of burglary and one count of driving while exceeding the alcohol limit.

He pleaded guilty to the charges at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on July 29.