One of New Zealand's most prolific burglars - with 388 convictions to his name - has been sent back to jail, but is hopeful he can change his ways.

Allan Tremain Adams, 41, added two more burglaries to his bulging list on April 17 when he broke into Autocraft in Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North.

He got away with nothing after activating the alarm but then broke into the Willard Rest Home in Russell St and stole $1200 of petty cash.

Blood stains found at the two premises led police to Adams, who was released from his previous prison sentence late last year.

In Palmerston District Court yesterday, he was sent back for two years and nine months on two charges of burglary and one of breaching parole.

Adams has 439 convictions in total and began offending when he was 12 years old and committed arson.

Crown prosecutor Daniel Flinn said Adams must be one of the country's most prolific burglars, although Judge Les Atkins said there were no evidence to back that up.

However, the judge could not remember seeing anybody with such a big history.

Adams was abused as a youngster and the judge urged him not to be weighed down by that.

"You can decide to allow the person who damaged you to determine the rest of your life, but that's to give that person more power than any person should ever be given over another human being," Judge Atkins told Adams.

"I haven't seen it like that," Adams said. He thanked the judge for that perspective and said he hoped to be able to put his past behind him.

"I know it's not going to be easy but I'm prepared to make the effort.

"I did try my hardest this time round," Adams said.

"When I commit a crime I don't consider the hurt I'm causing other people or myself."

Mr Flinn asked the judge to impose a sentence that would give the public a break from Adams for a long time.

"Protection of society has got to be a significant factor in the court's analysis."

But Judge Atkins said he needed to consider whether Adams could be rehabilitated, noting that prison sentences on their own had not been working.

Defence lawyer Tony Thackery said his client had an addiction to burglaries.

- © Fairfax NZ News