Burglar strikes two days after prison release

Peter Smith had just been released from a previous sentence when he broke into houses again, police said

A man described by police as a "prolific burglar" broke into a house just two days after his release from prison.

Peter Smith, 41, of Medworth, Peterborough, broke into a home in Yaxley, Cambridgeshire on 26 February, stealing £400 and jewellery.

In March he broke into a house in Peterborough, stealing a small quantity of cash before attempting to break into another home in the city.

At Peterborough Crown Court on Monday, Smith admitted two counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary, and was sentenced to five years in prison.

Smith’s DNA was found on a metal bar at the scene in Yaxley and he was captured on CCTV at both of the Peterborough properties.

He was identified by officers and arrested on 18 March.

Det Con Sarah Longbottom, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: "Smith is a prolific burglar, having previously served time for multiple offences. He had been out of prison for just two days when his offending started again this time.

"Burglary is not a victimless crime.

"It is a violation of a person’s home where they are entitled to feel safe and secure. Smith has reversed this feeling for yet more victims and taken from them items that can never be replaced."