A 19-year-old man locked up for a spate of burglaries in Gedling and West Bridgford left DNA on a bottle of vodka he drank from in one of the properties.
Harley Ashurst, of George Road, West Bridgford, pleaded guilty to five counts of burglary and one of fraud at Nottingham Crown Court.
The first burglary in Lowdham Road, , happened between the evening of Wednesday, October 9, and the early hours of Thursday, October 10.
The other four burglaries were on four consecutive days later that month in Melton Road, George Road and Patrick Road, all in .
He has been jailed for three years.
Ashurst was arrested by police after property from each burglary was found in a search of his home.
As well as bank cards and ID documents, one victim’s wedding ring which was recovered by police and returned to its owner.
In several of the burglaries, Ashurst had been through the fridge and kitchen cupboards, drinking from a bottle of vodka at one property.
The bottle was tested for DNA which was found to be a match for him.
The fraud offence related to the use of stolen bank cards with Ashurst caught on CCTV.
Investigator Martin Prentice, of , said: “Ashurst was prolific in his crimes and stole both sentimental and high value items from his victims.
“Burglary is a highly invasive crime, particularly in a case like this where personal items and even food and drink were taken.
“Nottinghamshire Police will always thoroughly investigate reports of burglary and we are committed to disrupting those who look to commit these crimes.
"I hope that the outcome today acts as a deterrent to anyone who would follow in Ashurst’s footsteps.”
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