In August 2020, Wayne Elliott, 43, targeted two neighbouring properties in Wallsend.
Elliot first burgled a flat on Holly Avenue, leaving with numerous items, including a TV, jewellery and microwave.
He was later caught when officers from Northumbria Police found an empty bottle of Budweiser beer at the victim’s address.
It was seized and sent for forensic analysis and later came back as a DNA match for Elliott.
Elliot then targeted a property in Vine Street and gained entry through a window.
The occupier was awoken by noises coming from the living room, and Elliot made a swift exit. As he fled, he dropped his rucksack and mobile phone.
The phone was examined by experts and found to contain topless selfies of Elliott, along with a photo of his passport.
Officers arrested and subsequently charged Elliot with one count of burglary and one count burglary with intent to steal.
In November last year, Elliott, of Holly Avenue, Wallsend, pleaded guilty to
both charges at Newcastle Crown Court.
On Tuesday 2nd February he was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment.
Detective Constable Andrew Scott, of Northumbria Police’s Northern Burglary Team, praised the forensic and digital specialists for their excellent work which helped lead to the arrest.
He said:
“Burglary is such an emotive crime that can impact not only on victims, but the wider community. Elliott should be absolutely ashamed of his actions.
“He left a trail of devastation in his wake – but unfortunately for him, he also left a trail of evidence for our officers to find.
“As a result, with the weight of evidence against him overwhelming, he was left with no choice but to enter a guilty plea, and he deserves his prison sentence.
“We have a team of specialist officers and detectives tasked with reviewing every break-in across the Force. If you commit an offence in our region then you should expect to be put behind bars.”
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Can all criminals please be as helpful,