iStockA robber helped get himself caught when he could not put on a Covid mask properly.
Ian Dick, 43, carried out seven raids in 24 hours, including several while he was armed with a knife.
The crimes mainly occurred in the area of Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on January 11 and 12 this year.
But, the final robbery was at the Central Cafe in nearby Blantyre Industrial Estate.
He targeted two female workers as they were opening up for the morning.
However, prosecutor Paul Kearney told the High Court in Glasgow on Monday that Dick had problems trying to disguise his identity.
Mr Kearney said: “He entered and was in possession of a blue face mask.
“But, it appeared to be damaged and he was unable to attach it to his face.”
Unfortunately for Dick, the raid was also captured on CCTV.
He got his hands on £20, but moaned: “You must have f*****g more than that.”
Dick fled when he became aware of one of the workers getting help.
Mr Kearney stated: “One of the women positively identified Dick.
“A piece of snapped elastic from the face mask was also left on the counter by him.
“This was examined and DNA belonging to him was found on it.”
Dick first struck the previous day at a RS McColl’s at Hamilton bus station, where he got his hands on two bottles of vodka.
Hours later, he tried to hold up a Chinese takeaway.
He next got just £15 from a grocery store nearby.
Shortly before the cafe raid, Dick approached a man in the street, demanded cash or threatened he was “getting plugged”.
Five minutes later, he separately targeted two more men, getting his hands on loose change chucked by one of the terrified victims.
Dick pleaded guilty to four assault and robbery charges and three further attempted robberies.
It emerged he already had 38 previous convictions, including two jails terms from the high court.
Lord Mulholland locked him up for a total of four years and eight months.
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