A burglar and cash machine scam artist who broke into a Cheshire home was snared after leaving a cigarette butt at the scene of one of his crimes.
Marian Barbu, from Oldham, has been jailed for five years following a hearing at Chester Crown Court.
The 23-year-old was earlier found guilty by a jury having burgled a house on Hooton Road, Willaston, on July 13 last year.
Barbu, of Kelverlow Street, Lees, also pleaded guilty for three theft offences in Northwich on May 30, June 6 and June 19 this year.
During one burglary, Barbu entered a house while the occupants were out and stole jewellery and watches to the value worth £4,430.
Barbu left a cigarette butt at the scene.
His DNA was found on the butt, meaning police could link him to the break-in.
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During their investigation, officers also linked Barbu to three theft offences in Northwich. On each occasion Barbu targeted elderly victims at the Halifax cash machine in the town centre.
He waited until they had entered their PIN numbers before approaching them with a receipt and convincing them the machine had not given him his money.
Barbu then withdrew large amounts of cash from victims' accounts, totalling £1,450. He claimed the money was his, from the transaction before.
When Barbu was arrested on June 24 his Oldham home, he claimed to be 'Marian Spirache'.
His identity was confirmed after police took his fingerprints, which were on file.
DC Roy Wellings said: “Barbu stole money from elderly people and burgled a house during his spree in Cheshire, but thankfully he was caught before he could target further victims thanks to our DNA hit.
"Being a victim of theft or burglary can be very traumatic so I hope this sentence helps those affected come to terms with their ordeals in some way.”
