'Tidy Man' burglar jailed

Geoffrey Holt was dubbed the Tidy Man by detectives

A burglar who was so tidy his victims did not realise their homes had been raided has been jailed for more than five years.

Carlisle Crown Court heard 44-year-old Geoffrey Holt stole jewellery valued at more than £120,000 in 70 raids across Cumbria.

Most of the burglaries were carried out on homes in the Penrith and Kendal areas.

Holt, from Bolton, pleaded guilty to two burglaries and asked for 68 other offences to be taken into consideration.

Detectives nicknamed Holt the "Tidy Man" because he left the homes of his victims in such a neat and tidy condition.

The court heard he looked upon himself as a professional burglar living off the proceeds of his crimes.

Holt was ordered to forfeit nearly £39,000 in cash, which was found in his house when he was arrested.

Holt was told he had caused enormous distress to his victims, many of whom were retired and elderly.

After the hearing Detective Chief inspector Bill Whitehead of Cumbria Police said the five-and-a-half year sentence sent out a strong message to other criminals.

He said: "It is very unusual for a significant number of burglaries like this to be carried out by one person.

"But I think the sentence sends a message to those who wish to imitate the Tidy Man that if they come to Cumbria they will be caught and sent to prison."