A bungling burglar was caught after homeowners set a bucket trap due to prior break ins, leading to his quick arrest.
He ran from the house on Bondicar Terrace in Blyth. Police caught him quickly because the homeowners set a trap due to past break-ins. They saw the tipped bucket and knew something happened.
They watched their CCTV and called the police. Officers knew Howell well and arrested him at his home in Blyth. Howell also committed another burglary the next week on Laburnum Avenue.
He broke in and stole jewellery and bicycles. At court, Howell confessed, admitting attempted burglary and burglary. He received a sentence of three years and seven months last Monday, February 17th.
He has a long criminal record with 108 past convictions, twenty-five for burglary. These crimes go back to 1986. Police said burglary makes people feel unsafe. Howell is a frequent offender now facing a long prison term.
This case shows the importance of reporting suspicious activity near your home. Police will investigate these reports and bring offenders to court.