Dozy David Sewell was still wearing the same trainers which had left two perfect prints on the bathroom floor when he went back to the flat.
After asking the known crook why he was in the area the quick-thinking officer checked the soles of his shoes - and seeing they matched, promptly arrested him.
A judge at Portsmouth Crown Court said it was high time society had a rest from Sewell, who has been breaking into homes since the age of 12 and has more than 20 convictions for burglary.
The 36-year-old was jailed for three years and four months for his latest offence.
PC Craig Turner, from the burglary investigation team, based in Southsea, said: 'We are pleased with the final result in this case, which has taken a prolific burglar off the streets of Portsmouth.
Following the initial offence a quick arrest was made, which is thanks to the quick thinking of PC Dave Fairbrother.
'This case should serve as a strong reminder to offenders in the city that we are committed to reducing burglaries and will not tolerate such a violation of people's privacy.'
Sewell broke into a couple's ground floor flat in Shaftesbury Road, Southsea, on June 26, through a bathroom window.
While the owners were out he stole two watches, one of which was an Omega worth A[pounds sterling]2,000, a money box with A[pounds sterling]400 inside, a purse and a mobile phone.
Judge Richard Price said: 'You do have a horrendous record for dwelling house burglary. It's high
embroidered patches time that society had a rest from you.'
Sewell, 36, of Clarendon Road, Southsea, pleaded guilty to burglary.
Defending, Barnaby Shaw said: 'He is 36, he has got a lot of his life ahead of him. A lot of it, over the last few years, has been in custody. He knows that if he carries on this way it's going to be a large proportion of his life. He wants to rid himself of his drug addiction.'
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