A masked burglar from Sydenham was caught by DNA left at the scene. 

Nicu Bontea, 24, of Sydenham Road, smashed his way into a cottage in Barrington, near Cambridge, while the homeowners were out in November last year. 

Wearing a black balaclava he left a trail of DNA around the property then left with distinctive rings, jewellery of sentimental value, spare car keys, watches, binoculars, a camera, and a historical special forces scorpion knife. 

Experts said DNA left at the scene proved it was “one billion times more likely” to be him than anyone else. 

Bontea initially denied burglary, saying he’s never been to Cambridgeshire, but he eventually pleaded guilty. 

On Thursday (November 21) Bontea was jailed for 15 months. 

Nicu BonteaNicu Bontea (Image: Cambs Police) DC Zoe Bramley said: “This burglary caused substantial loss to the homeowners who had highly sentimental jewellery stolen but never recovered. 
 
“The DNA from multiple sources proved without doubt that Bontea was at the property. These forensics enabled us to gather evidence and arrest him. 
 
“Although the jewellery was never recovered, I hope the sentencing provides some sense to the victims that justice has prevailed. 
 
“Burglary is not a victimless crime, it’s an invasion of someone’s home and possessions and can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing.”