A serial burglar raided a Kent home twice in five days - and each time left his DNA for police to find.

Anthony Maxted broke into the house in Prices Avenue, Margate, in June last year.

Canterbury Crown Court heard the first time he ransacked the downstairs, stealing a torch and personal papers - but leaving behind a drinks can.

Five days later he returned, this time taking stamps, but leaving blood smears on the window.

Alastair Keith, prosecuting, said Maxted had also broken into another house in the street taking a handbag, briefcase and mobile phone.

He said the 42-year-old was traced by police through his DNA on the drinks can and the traces of blood.

Maxted, of Northdown Road, Cliftonville was jailed for three years after admitting three burglaries.

The thief, who has 66 previous offences, also asked for another nine offences including raids on a school, a doctors' surgery and hotels in Cliftonville and Broadstairs to be taken into consideration.

"hard working people need to be protected from people like you…” – judge simon james

The court heard the burglaries and thefts had netted him property valued at more than £13,500.

Nicholas Jones, defending, said the father of two had been a heroin addict since he was 17.

Judge Simon James told him: "Hard working people need to be protected from people like you. Burglary isn't a crime against property its also a crime against people."

He gave Maxted an extra 30 days' prison for breaching his bail.