A serial burglar has been spared jail after he disguised himself in a red gilet - similar to gear worn by Nottingham City Homes staff - when he slipped into homes under renovation.
Despite his crimes, Phillip Weaver has another side - as a primary carer for his brother who has cancer who "will be in difficulty without you," said a judge.
Weaver's 15 month prison sentence was suspended for two years, with 12 months of supervision from probation, and a requirement to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.
Nottingham Crown Court heard he stole such things as a tile cutter and screws worth £500 during three burglaries in Beechdale and Bilborough.
The prosecution said he wore a red gilet "similar to Nottingham City Homes employees" and he accepted going to peoples' homes in disguise as a would-be employee.
The fourth and final break-in was at a woman's home where he helped himself to items including a cooker and hob, and a coffee machine.
A torch in the kitchen was analysed and Weaver's DNA was found.
Judge Stuart Rafferty QC told Weaver: "Breaking into peoples' houses, whatever your circumstances, is despicable.
"Three of those houses were empty and being renovated and you focused on tools. In the fourth house was a woman living alone who had come to Nottingham to make a new life.
"She was called back from work to find what had happened and had to pay a locksmith and insurance excess. She upgraded her alarm, because she felt so unsafe, and still feels unsafe and, on top of this, the stress of what was happening caused her to lose her job.
"You are fortunate no one was at home when you committed those offences. Clearly you had been looking for premises that were empty and you thought this lady's house was empty too".
Weaver, 48, of Wickens Walk, St Ann's, had a gap of 16 years between the last two offences on his record.
The judge noted there had been a gap, he had "the good sense to plead guilty", and he has difficulties and a brother with cancer.
But he warned if he Weaver had stood trial "believe me you would be going straight inside".
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