A BURGLAR who told police he had targeted over 20 homes in three boroughs has been sent to prison.

David James Banks, 20, admitted to sneaking through doors and windows left open in the summer months to steal cash and valuables.

His victims are alleged to be scattered across Enfield, Haringey and Herts.

Banks pleaded guilty on July 29 to one count of burglary, which took place at a flat in Maltby Drive, Enfield on June 24.

Banks stole a handbag, laptop and cash from the lounge via an open kitchen window.

With a previous conviction for burglary in 2009, which gave him a two-year suspended sentence, Banks’ profile was already on police records and he was then linked to the scene of the crime using forensic evidence.

Police could not trace him and his image was then circulated as a wanted suspect. He was spotted in London Road on July 13 by an eagle-eyed Enfield police officer who was on his way to work and was arrested.

He told police while in custody that he had committed a further 23 offences, though he was not charged over this.

Banks, of no fixed address, who has been linked to an address in Lansdowne Road, Tottenham, was jailed for two years and four months at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday.

DS Bob Power, Enfield Docket Squad said: "Firstly I would like to thank my colleague who spotted Banks. Banks who had already received a suspended sentence for a previous burglary knew that if he was caught again he would go straight to prison. He put his victim through unnecessary worry and distress and I am glad now that he is behind bars he will no longer have the opportunity to prey on anybody else.”