CCTV caught a burglar in Blyth, Northumberland, trapped by homeowners. The thief attempted to break in but triggered a ‘Home Alone’ style trap.
The homeowners had set a clever “Home Alone” trap after some burglary attempts nearby. The trap used string and a bucket of water. Howell triggered the trap while running away, and the owners watched CCTV and reported it.
Police arrested Paul Howell soon after. He is 56 and has no permanent address. They charged him with attempted burglary and other burglaries on Laburnum Avenue in Blyth.
In those burglaries, he broke into a house and stole jewelry and bikes. Police found most of the stolen things at Howell’s address after his arrest.
Howell admitted to the attempted burglary, the other house burglary, and stealing from the shed. He had lots of prior convictions. Since 1986, he had 25 burglary convictions.
The court sentenced Howell to prison for three years and seven months. Detective Constable Jon Mullen led the investigation and said burglary makes people feel unsafe given that Howell is a repeat offender.
Mullen said reporting suspicious activity is important. Police will act on these reports and bring offenders to court for justice.