A PROLIFIC burglar who notched up more than 70 crimes has written individual letters of apology to his victims.

Callum Greenaway, 26, explained to each one how it was “nothing personal” and blamed his actions on drug addiction.

In court Greenaway’s offending was described as “immense” after he admitted stealing about £200,000 worth of goods from homes and businesses mainly in Essex last year, although some thefts dated back to 2011.

In mitigation Maria Dineen read aloud part of one of the letters at Southend Crown Court.

She said: “I burgled your house because I was abusing drugs. “I had no concept of remorse, I only cared about one thing at the time and that’s me and getting money for drugs.”

She said the letter went on to say that he was now “clean” of drugs and sorry for what he had done. It went on to read: “I hope this letter gives you closure.

“I hope you realise there was nothing personal about the offence, I did not target you or your family.”

He also said that he wanted to reassure them he had not been watching them - or their property.

Greenaway of Twyford Avenue, Great Wakering, was only charged with three of the burglaries to which he entered guilty pleas.

He asked for 70 other matters to be taken into consideration so he could wipe the slate clean.

He was jailed for two-and-a-half years.