Thief targeted 8 properties and left his DNA every time

30-year-old was funding his drug addiction

- Sentinel Reporter

HAPLESS burglar John Smith has been jailed after a nine-month crime spree.

The 30-year-old broke into people’s homes, a school, a business unit and a shed and stole a range of items from a petrol strimmer to electric guitars and laptops.

But he left his DNA at the scene on every occasion and was arrested. Now Smith has been jailed for 42 months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Prosecutor Geoff Lowe said the crime spree began on September 27, 2024 when Smith burgled a flat in Henderson Grove, Meir. But he left his blood at the scene and he was linked to the crime by his DNA.

Smith next struck on October 18 when he broke into a shed at an allotment in Richmond Street, Stoke. He stole a strimmer and his DNA was found on bolt cutters left at the scene.

The defendant tried to burgle Honeywall House, Stoke, on February 9. Mr Lowe said: “He was seen attempting to prise open one of the doors to the property with a screwdriver. He burnt the cable to the CCTV with a lighter which cost £200 to replace.