Britain’s greediest crook was caught through DNA after he couldn’t resist eating chocolate and cakes at places he burgled.
Bungling Robert Doyle, 36, was jailed after leaving incriminating evidence at crime scenes – including a half-eaten Wispa bar.
And the sweet-toothed raider made the same mistake a few days later at another property he targeted – by scoffing most of a cake there.
Police were later able to take his DNA through swabs from both surgery treats.
Magistrates heard unemployed Doyle discarded the chocolate bar at almshouses which he smashed his way into and stole power tools from.
Dozy Doyle later broke into a burger bar and positive DNA samples were again taken from his saliva.
Exeter Magistrates Court heard police were called after the first burglary on June 13.
Eagle eyed officers then spotted someone had started to eat the chocolate bar before discarding it.
They discovered teeth marks in the chocolate and sent it off for DNA tests.
The tests matched Doyle and in court he admitted stealing power tools after breaking in to the buildings, which were being renovated.
In the second burglary, a few days later, Doyle forced his way into Relish burger bar in Exeter in the early hours of the morning.
Money was stolen and police then discovered the cake which had been mostly been eaten.
Again DNA was obtained and was matched to Doyle.
Doyle, of Exeter, Devon, admitted two charges of theft and breaching a suspended prison sentence.
Philip Sewell, prosecuting, said: “Police swabs gave a match to Doyle.
“He was arrested but made no comment to any questions in interview.”
James Rickard, defending, said Doyle should be given credit for his guilty plea, because the DNA evidence wasn’t in itself proof that he had committed the crime.
He said: “The items on which DNA was found were moveable, not something like a wall, which would be better evidence.
“But he has pleaded guilty anyway and should be given credit.
“He has a lot of previous convictions, often for stealing for food.”
Doyle was jailed for a total of 20 weeks.
