The escape of the “brazen” robber went up in smoke

The robber was caught after a DNA test linked him to stolen tobacco, which he stopped smoking before fleeing the scene.

Forensic experts linked a cigarette butt near a student dormitory to a thief who also stole bank cards and aftershave lotion from inside.

Paul Harewood, 50, of Guildford, Surrey, pleaded guilty to burglary and fraud at Guildford Crown Court.

Sergeant Sarah Wentworth, of Surrey Police, said: “His own arrogance in lighting a cigarette at the scene sealed his fate.”

On June 5, Harewood robbed a student dormitory while the victims slept.

He used one of the stolen cards at McDonalds a short time later, and the next day tried to use one at a clothing store but was declined.

At Guildford Crown Court on Tuesday, he was jailed for two years, four months and 23 days for burglary and a further four months for fraud.