Josh Wiggins, of Schoolfield Way, admitted to breaking into a florist in Stanford Le-Hope and a fish-and-chip shop in Grays, in October and November last year.
Police were able to identify him after the 23-year-old left a blood smear at the scene of both crimes.
Wiggins caused £500’s worth of damage in one property and £1000 pounds worth in the other.
The burglar forced his way into the florist last October, ripping out a till, causing injury to himself in the process, before dumping the till on a green opposite the shop.
He also damaged a cupboard and smashed bottles of champagne, causing £500 damage. After injuring himself, a blood smear was left on the till.
Just under a month later, on Friday, 27 November, Wiggins broke into a fish-and-chip shop at the Lakeside Business Village.
The till, which contained just £1 in cash, was again ripped out, causing significant damage to wiring, the till and the window and shutter of the shop.
In total, Wiggins caused around £1,000 damage whilst once again leaving another blood smear.
He was arrested, charged and pleaded guilty to both burglaries when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court.
He also admitted failing to comply with the terms of the Sex Offenders’ Register and to eight other burglaries which he committed outside of the Essex area.
Wiggins was jailed for two years eight months’ following the hearing which took place at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, 18 March.
Following the sentencing PC Annabel Courtnell of the Grays Local Policing Team said: “Wiggins had absolutely no thought for the victims in this case, not content with stealing from them he caused significant amounts of damage to both businesses.
“The last year has been really tough for our local businesses and the last thing any of them need is to be targeted in this way.
“Fortunately, Wiggins wasn’t very bright and left his blood at both scenes which gave us the vital forensic evidence we need to ensure he was swiftly brought to justice.
“We will continue to protect and serve our communities, including our valued local businesses, and criminals can rest assured that we will continue to do all we can to put them behind bars.”
