A persistent burglar from Bradford who ransacked a house in broad daylight, escaping with computers, jewellery and a safe containing personal documents, has been jailed for four years.

Heroin addict Antony Cameron targeted the property in Burley Road, Menston, just six months after being freed from a five-and-a-half year prison stretch for similar offences, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Cameron, 30, of Lymington Drive, Holme Wood, pleaded guilty to burgling the semi-detached house at 5pm on June 30.

Prosecutor Stephanie Hancock told the court yesterday he broke the locks on the rear patio doors and made an untidy search of several rooms.

He was seen by a neighbour making off with property from the house and loading it into a vehicle.

Miss Hancock said Cameron’s haul included a safe of personal papers, including a birth certificate and a will, wedding and engagement rings, computers, a watch and other jewellery. Nothing was ever recovered.

Cameron tried to use bank cards stolen in the burglary to withdraw money later that day but failed, the court was told.

He was arrested on July 24 after he was put at the scene of the break-in by a discarded cigarette butt outside the patio doors with his DNA on it.

Miss Hancock said Cameron initially denied the offence when interviewed by the police, claiming the cigarette end must have been trodden on to the property on someone else’s footwear.

The court heard Cameron was a “fourth strike” housebreaker, meaning he should receive a sentence of at least three years behind bars unless it was ruled unjust.

Cameron’s barrister, Giles Bridge, said his client was articulate and intelligent with a loving and supportive family.

Misuse of drugs was at the root of his offending and he appreciated the hurt and distress he caused householders when he invaded their homes.

Judge Roger Thomas QC, labelled Cameron a “determined and sophisticated burglar” who had stolen items that could never be replaced.

After the case, Detective Inspector Chris Gibson, of Bradford South CID, said: “We are working extremely hard to tackle burglary through both preventative and proactive means.

“Since April, there have been over a hundred fewer house burglaries in the Bradford South division compared to the same period the previous year.

“You can help us to continue this positive trend during the winter months by taking the simple steps of lighting up your property and locking your door.”