A THIEF from Wood Green who set his sights on precious historical artefacts was jailed yesterday.

Gary Doyle, 54, of Lascott's Road, swiped a replica Tudor helmet from the National Army Museum's Making of Britain gallery on October 5, 2010.

But a mere two days later Doyle targeted Forty Hall Museum, in Enfield, and made off with six maps of Middlesex.

He was caught later that day trying to sell the antiquarian maps but the dealers saw through his claim that the pieces belonged to a relative and he left disppointed.

Doyle was captured on CCTV by Met Police officers who matched his image to both museums. He was traced and arrested.

DC Michelle Roycroft, of the Art and Antiques Unit, said: "Doyle's arrest and subsequent charge demonstrates how by working closely with our partners in the museums and trade organisations we will combat thieves and thwart their attempts to profit from robbing Britain's heritage."

Doyle appeared at Wood Green Crown Court, in Lordship Lane, on January 25, where a judge sentenced him to 15 months imprisonment.