Michael Yeo carried out 13 separate burglary offences during a six-month period last year, stealing cash and electronic items.
Many of the incidents took place during hot weather when he gained access through open windows. On one occasion he stole some cakes.
The spree of thefts began on April 7, and he targeted a further five homes over a 10-day period from June 16-25.
At one house the 23-year-old was disturbed by an elderly victim, whom he pushed to the floor.
Yeo committed seven more offences in the town in three days from September 9-11.
He was located and arrested two days later while he was in the Kings Lynn area of Norfolk.
Officers searched a property where Yeo had been staying and recovered a credit note linking him to the sale of a games console at a local second-hand exchange store.
CCTV showed Yeo selling the item and when the serial number of the console was checked it matched one which had been reported stolen in Tonbridge the day before.
He was charged with 10 counts of burglary and three counts of attempted burglary, and was convicted on all charges by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court.
Detective Constable David Evans said: “Yeo specifically targeted properties which were left insecure, seeking homes where windows and doors had perhaps not been locked properly.
“He is a prolific and persistent offender, and one who has caused a huge amount of distress and anxiety to a number of victims.
“Yeo has shown absolutely no remorse or refused to take any responsibility for his crimes, but will now have plenty of time to reflect on his actions.”
