Mark Keith Smith (36), of St Michael Street, Sutton, admitted the burglary and a string of other offences and has been jailed for three years.

He was described as a former professional burglar, who had returned to his old 'career' after being made redundant and getting into debt.

Judge John Milmo praised the quick-thinking victim for contacting the exchange centres and helping bring Smith to justice.

"It was a stroke of genius," the judge told Nottingham Crown Court. "I cannot imagine they are the most frequently exchanged currency in Sutton."

Smith used a brick to smash a window at the woman's home on Mansfield Road, Skegby, on 11th April and escaped with a £50 note, 300 cigarettes and the roubles.

He tried various places that day before exchanging the roubles for £76 at a cheque centre in Sutton where he was caught on CCTV.

But the court was told he was then bailed and went on to raid a house on Deepdale Gardens, Sutton, on 12th May.

The police caught him on the premises with socks on his hands and screwdrivers in his rucksack.

He admitted both burglaries as well as an attempted burglary on 9th May and two offences of handling stolen property last October.

His record ran to 19 house burglaries but his barrister, Michael Evans, said there was a four-year gap in his offending when he settled down with his partner and her children.

The judge added: "I conclude you are a professional burglar who concentrates on people's homes."